This monthly feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for Identity Preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed this month. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with David Kee or Katelyn Engquist. You should also follow David Kee on Twitter for some of the latest, most-interesting information on agronomy and research that affect IP and other farmers.

Illinois
Across Illinois harvest is winding down in both corn and soybeans. At the end of this week, around 90-95% of the crop will be harvested. In the end, the yields followed the rain. Where timely showers fell, yields were tremendous. Where the rain didn’t fall, yields were disappointing or even just plain poor. Some of the dry areas in Southern Ill. have seen a lot of acres of sub-100-bushel corn, 30-45 bushel full-season soybeans and 10-20 bushel double crop soybeans after wheat. Crop insurance will play a role in the year end finances for many growers across the state.

Tillage, tillage and tillage… that has been the activity for a lot of areas over the past few weeks. It isn’t often we get a dry fall that allows for endless time in the fields.

The winter wheat crop is off to a very good start with very good emergence and good growth heading into the winter.

2024 planning is now well underway with a lot of fall fertilizer being applied and ground worked according to the plan next spring. Fertilizer prices have significantly softened year-over-year, but with grain prices slipping $2 on corn and $2-3 on soybeans, fertilizer had to come down. Fertilizer pricing might be the best example of “what the market will bear” of anything sold, in any industry. Take potash for example. It is being mined out of the same hole in the ground it has for the past 50 years, and it is still 0-0-60 with zero improvements in the product itself. Realizing operating and transportation costs do vary some, we have seen prices change 250% just in the last 10 years. Last year it was $900 per ton, now its $550 per ton…the topic could be a master’s thesis for an economics grad student.

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l

 

Michigan
It is taking most of October and November to get the 2023 Michigan soybean crop harvested. As of Nov. 13, we are 83% harvested which is 11% behind last year’s pace but similar to our 5-year progress. The second and third week of November is allowing significant harvest progress.

State average yield is predicted to be 47 bushels per acre in the most recent estimate by USDA. This would be consistent with last year’s yield. While an average yield is appreciated compared to the expectations in the early season this year, this crop yield has disappointed some growers as the crop appeared better than that because of good weather through most reproductive growth stages. This crop and the business of agriculture is great but has a way of keeping us humble.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

 

Minnesota
Minnesota is dry, but predicted rain is hoped to ease drought concerns. If fall rains do not restore soil moisture status, planting 2024 will prove to be interesting. According to the drought monitor, about 44% of the state is rated moderate to extreme drought (D1-D3). The Nov. 6 USDA Minnesota Crop Progress report topsoil moisture supplies were rated 30% short to very short, 65% adequate and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 49% short to very short, 48% adequate and 3% surplus.

Crop harvest is all but complete in Minnesota. Corn silage, small grains, edible beans and soybeans have been largely harvested. Sunflower and sugarbeet harvests are nearing completion. Corn grain harvest is proceeding rapidly with 86% harvested by Nov. 6. Grain moisture has been sufficiently low that grain drying is limited in scope. Early on, soybean harvest was slowed due to excessive green stems and morning dews reducing harvest speeds.  Some farmers are concerned about future crop volunteer corn and soybean issues in 2024 due to excessive harvest escapes. Farmer yield reports vary from “drought impacted” to “well above average.”

Field work, soil sampling, tillage, manure and fertilizer applications, etc., continues. Soil temperatures have been excessively high, limiting fall N fertilizer applications. With the recent drop in soil temps (<50^oF), nitrogen, as well as P and K, fertilizers are going down.  Given the low river levels around Memphis, there is a great concern expressed as to input availability in the spring.

– David Kee, Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council

 

Missouri
With a couple of cold snaps hitting Missouri over the past couple of weeks, we are beginning to see our landscape change. Last week, we had a warming trend and allowed a lot of field work to continue. We have not had much precipitation near the end of October and into November. For the first week of November, the USDA predicted we had 6.6/7 good days for field work, and Missouri is not registering any surplus of topsoil moisture.

The Missouri corn crop is 94% harvested and the soybean crop is 91% harvested. The cotton crop is about 93% picked. The 2023/24 winter wheat crop is 85% planted with 65% emerged. The winter wheat crop is looking good for the early season with the timely rains a couple weeks back.

We have heard that throughout the state we saw good soybean yields, which was not to be expected with the dry conditions over the summer. Keeping in mind, we did have some regions of the state that had decreased yields due to the extreme, dry conditions.

– Bryan Stobaugh, Director of Licensing and Commercialization, Missouri Soybeans

 

North Dakota

We have less than favorable conditions during harvest, especially for later-season crops such as corn and sunflower. Farmers faced a time crunch for post-harvest activities such as tillage and fertilizer application.

The soybean harvest was completed during the 1st week of November. According to the NASS Report on Nov. 13, corn harvested was 76%, behind 95% last year, but near 72% for the five-year average; sunflowers harvested was 59%, well behind 90% last year and behind the 72% average.

According to the NASS report for the week ending Nov. 12, topsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 14% short, 77% adequate, and 6% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 5% very short, 26% short, 67% adequate, and 2% surplus.

In 2023, North Dakota soybean farmers harvested 6.15 million acres of soybeans (NASS Report, Oct. 2023). The average yield per acre was estimated at 33 bushels per acre, down 2 bushels from 2022. Production is forecasted at 203 million bushels, up 2% from last year (NASS Report, Oct. 2023). The area for harvest at 6.15 million acres, is up 8% from 2022.

Overall, the soybean harvest was completed, and yields were 33 bushels per acre which is slightly lower than the historical average of 35 bushels per acre. Farmers continue to wrap up corn and sugar beet harvest, and this week’s weather is encouraging to make great progress.

– Miki Miheguli, Research Programs Coordinator, North Dakota Soybean Council

 

Wisconsin

In the week ending Nov. 5, the Wisconsin corn crop reached 98% maturity, as reported by the USDA-NASS Crop Progress report. Despite the advanced maturity, the corn for grain harvest was 50% complete, 2% behind last year and 5% behind the five-year average. Corn condition was reported to be 54% in the good to excellent.

According to the latest USDA Crop Production report released on Nov. 9, the forecast for corn production stands at 530 million bushels, based on conditions as of Nov. 1. Although corn yields are expected to average 171 bushels per acre, reflecting a promising 6 bushels per acre increase from the Oct. 1 forecast, this figure is down by 9 bushels per acre compared to last year. The estimated corn planted acreage is 4 million acres, with an anticipated 3.1 million acres to be harvested for grain.

Shifting to soybeans, the harvest was reported to be 83% complete as of Nov. 5, trailing behind last year by 10% and 1% below the average. The forecast for soybean production is 101 million bushels, with a yield of 49 bushels per acre. Although this yield represents an increase of bushels from the October forecast, it is down by 5 bushels from 2022. The estimated soybean planted acreage is 2.1 million acres, with 2.07 million acres slated for harvest.

As for winter wheat, planting progress has reached completion, with 90% of the crop having already emerged. Additionally, 50% of the winter wheat is reported to be in good to excellent condition, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous week.

— Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

Note: To see state Crop Progress reports from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS): click here.

 

This monthly feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for Identity Preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed this month. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with David Kee or Shane Frederick. You should also follow David Kee on Twitter for some of the latest, most-interesting information on agronomy and research that affect IP and other farmers.

Illinois

A mixed bag across the state on moisture. While some areas have received rainfall in the past 30 days, just as many areas have not. The soybean crop in the areas of no rain really have started to show the signs of the drought stress, and it is happening at the very crucial grain-fill period. Early maturities have turned yellow and are heading to maturity fast, while the later maturities are still green in most cases and have not yet reached maturity. In the double-crop areas that have missed the rains, areas of many fields are actually dying from a lack of moisture. I have spent more time in soybeans fields in the past four weeks than I have in the previous four years combined.

There is a lot happening in our bean fields. I have found all of the following: SDS, red crown rot, soybean vein necrosis, brown stem rot, triazole fungicide phytotoxicity, phytophthora, thrips, spider mites, dectes stem borer, soybean loopers, green clover worms, pod worms, and web worms. Name a disease or bug and it’s probably out there.

Some ultra early varieties planted in the south are now being harvested with average yields being reported. What was once thought to be the bright spot, the soybean crop, has dropped off a bit and most are reporting/expecting average yields.

Corn harvest is starting to gain steam. By next week, 50%of the growers will have at least started. Moistures are running in the 20-28% range on April planted with yields right around APH levels or slightly under.

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l

 

Michigan

The Michigan soybean crop is advancing in maturity across the state with some color change occurring in early maturity and early planted fields. Other visible changes are from disease symptoms, primarily white mold and SDS. These diseases are taking significant bushels but are mostly spotty within fields.  Rainfall during podfill was adequate in most places which has built some optimism for yields. As crop maturity become more obvious, variability within fields will be a clear harvest challenge.

Many fields have emergence timing ranges of more than a month due to very dry seedbed conditions which were not alleviated until late June.  It appears that there won’t be much soybean harvest in September this year.

The most recent crop progress report from NASS rates the Michigan soybeans as 53% good to excellent.  This report also shows 85% adequate to surplus topsoil moisture.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

 

Minnesota

Minnesota is dry!

Ninety-nine-plus percent of the state is rated abnormally dry (D0) to extreme drought (D3) stage. Rains in early August eased drought stress a bit. However, according to the Sept. 5 USDA-NASS MN Crop Progress report: “Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 71% short to very short, and 29% adequate. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 72% short to very short, and 28% adequate.”

After a late start planting, due to excessive moisture in May, harvest is underway in Minnesota. The small grains harvest is all but completed. Due to accelerated maturation, harvest of corn and beans will soon follow. One farmer stated, “Crops are 1-2 weeks ahead of normal”.

Northwest Minnesota small grain growers are reporting decent yields. Crop yield estimates are variable, but the overall farmer expectation for 2023 harvest is fair yields and quality. Minnesota growers appear to be more concerned with drought impact on a “short” (poor yield) corn crop than soybean. Time will tell.

The recent rains have also spurred germination of late-season weeds, especially waterhemp, in soybean/edible bean/small grain fields. Most weed populations are manageable, however, there has been increased grower interest in alternative pre- and post-harvest weed control options, such as use of weed seed destructors and weed electrification systems. “Planting green” into 2023 cereal rye cover crops proved to be risky in some drought impacted areas. Obviously, there is a lot more to learn before adoption of this practice becomes widespread. There has been some concern expressed on the volunteer corn still present in soybean fields and the impact on corn insect and disease pressure for next year’s corn crop.

Growers are optimistic about having time to complete fall field work and tillage after a harvest.

– David Kee, Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council

 

Missouri

Getting into mid-September, we have finally seen a few days under 90 degrees. Right now, central Missouri is seeing some of its first precipitation in weeks, with only 0.25 inches expected to fall on Monday in portions of the state. As our forecast for temps change this week, we will be looking at temps hovering in the upper 70s to lower 80s range this week and into the weekend with lows in the mid to upper 50-60s range. There looks to be very little rain coming our way over the next 10 days. With some temperature relief in most of the state, harvest will be full speed ahead for rice and corn and into soybeans.

Our corn crop is about 98% at dough, 94% of crop at dent, and 51% of the corn crop is rated as mature. This results in about 9% of the corn crop harvested to date. Overall, the heat and dry weather this year resulted in our corn crop only rating 33% good for this week per the USDA data. Our soybean crop is starting to mature with 17% of the crop dropping leaves and about 39% of the crop rated as good. Our cotton crop is setting bolls with 97% of the crop set, and 34% of the Missouri cotton crop is seeing bolls open. Sixty-five percent of the cotton crop is rated as good. Our rice crop is hitting the headers across the southeast corner of the state with 14% of the rice crop harvested. For this week, the Missour rice crop rated good across 60% of the acres.

– Bryan Stobaugh, Director of Licensing and Commercialization, Missouri Soybeans

 

North Dakota

Soybeans are advancing nicely in North Dakota. Soybean harvest started last week for very early maturing soybeans in the east and southeast parts of the state.

We had some disease issues during the 2023 production year. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) continues to be a problem in soybean production. An increase in SCN numbers has been tested on June SCN samples according to Agvise laboratories; this could be due to conducive environmental conditions for SCN development during the growing season. The spread of SCN to western North Dakota also raises more challenges to soybean production in that region. Phytophthora pressure is heavy this year. Late-season phytophthora is showing up in multiple soybean fields. Also, the phytophthora pathogen is shifting to new soybean production areas in western North Dakota. High numbers of soybean aphids, grasshoppers, and spider mites were reported. White mold has been consistently an issue, especially in fields that received rainfall and have high yield potential.

We had spotty rains during the growing season, so yields might be variable this year. We anticipate harvesting average or slightly below-average. yields According to USDA estimates, the estimated average yield in North Dakota is about 33 bu/acre, which is slightly lower than last year’s average of 35 bu/acre. We believe the estimation is close to reality given the growing condition we have this year.

The NASS report rated soybean conditions as 4% very poor, 14% poor, 31% fair, 46% good, and 5% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 47%, ahead of 34% last year, and near 46% for the five-year average.

– Miki Miheguli, Research Programs Coordinator, North Dakota Soybean Council

 

Wisconsin

Wisconsin experienced 6.6 suitable days for fieldwork during the week ending on Sept. 10, as reported by USDA-NASS. Although there was some improvement in drought conditions in the northern parts of the state due to rain, the overall dryness persisted in most areas, further deteriorating crop conditions.

Corn is at 92% in the dough stage and 66% in the dented stage, which is 3% ahead of the 2018-2022 average for both stages. Corn in the mature stage accounted for approximately 16%, and the corn condition was rated as 50% good to excellent, reflecting a 3% decrease from the previous week and the previous year. Corn for silage harvest is 18% completed.

Soybeans have set pods in 99% of the soybean crop, with 9% of soybeans currently dropping leaves, trailing behind the five-year average by 3%. The soybean condition was reported as 47% in good to excellent condition, showing a 6% decline from the previous week and a 9% decline from the previous year.

— Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Note: To see state Crop Progress reports from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS): click here.

This monthly feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for Identity Preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed this month. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with David Kee or Shane Frederick. You should also follow David Kee on Twitter for some of the latest, most-interesting information on agronomy and research that affect IP and other farmers.

Illinois
Illinois has seen a lot of crop go in the ground in the past month. Corn is around 75% planted, and beans are around 68% planted. Until the rains this past weekend, some areas had become very dry, and emergence was being delayed because a lack of moisture. Most areas did receive enough rain to alleviate germination issues with some areas receiving way too much rain.

Wheat is progressing along and is fully headed and pollinated in the south. This “maturation line” will progress north at 75-100 miles per week. It looks to be an average crop with a lot of unevenness suppressing the top end yields.

— Scott Eversgerd, Field Agronomist, Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l

Michigan
The planting season in Michigan has begun between periods of rain. The USDA estimated our soybean crop to be 15% planted as of May 7. This is very close to our five-year average of 16%. Although we are near average for this date on the calendar, growers are becoming a little anxious as the days pass with little field work. Corn planting is behind average at only 6%. This slow corn planting is mostly due to cold soil and air temperatures. This limited corn planting may delay soybean planting on some farms that use a single planter for both crops.

As most growers have great capacity for most field work, including planting, our planting progress can move forward quickly when conditions allow. Increasing soil temperatures and improving soil conditions hold promise for fast emergence and stand establishment.

— Mark Seamon, Research Director Michigan Soybean Committee

Minnesota
The recent rains have come as a mixed blessing. Farmers are raring to go, but crop planting has been limited in Minnesota. The delayed spring snow melt has resulted in widespread flooding in the northwest. However, according to the Drought Monitor, more than 40% of the state is rated in drought status D0-D1. USDA-NASS reports topsoil moisture supplies were rated 9% short to very short, 72% adequate, and 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 14% short to very short, 72% adequate, and 14% surplus. During late April, soil temperature (4 inches deep) has stubbornly remained below 50^oF across much of the state. The first few days of May sunshine will rapidly change that.

According to the lates USDA-NASS crop progress report, planting is well ahead of last year, but trails the five-year average. As soil conditions become appropriate, field work, pre-plant activities (fertilizer, some herbicides, etc.), and planting will occur, across the landscape, near simultaneously. There has been some talk that surplus moisture will result in requests for prevent plant status being filed on select fields (especially in the northwest). Things will be touch and go for a while, with many long days (and short nights) occurring, as the late spring has narrowed the planting window. But #plant23 will get done; it’s the Minnesota way!

— David Kee, Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

Missouri
The water faucet has shut off in Missouri. More than 50% of the state is designated abnormally dry or moderate drought. Many farmers across the state have eased up on planting to wait for some moisture. Rain is in the forecast for later this week to hopefully get us back on track. Many farmers have continued planting in the dry conditions, and planting progress has made some big jumps over the last couple weeks.

Corn is estimated to be 92% planted in the state with 56% of that planted crop emerged. Soybeans took a large jump over last week to reach 50% planted with 21% of the crop emerged. With our sunny days and warm temps, cotton took one of the largest acres-planted jump since May 1. As of May 8, 40% was planted, a new 35% gain in just seven days. Our rice crop is getting close to being planted with 85% of the crop in the soil with 61% of that crop emerged. Winter wheat ratings for today are 63% of the crop being “good” with 40% of it headed.

— Eric Oseland, Director of Agronomy and Research, Missouri Soybeans

Wisconsin

Warmer and drier conditions statewide have led to increased field work for the week ending May 14, 2023. According to the last USDA-NASS report, soybean in Wisconsin is estimated to be 24% planted, with 3% of that planted soybean emerged as of May 14. The soybean planting progress is only 6% behind the 5-year average (2018-2022). As of May 14, corn is estimated to be 33% planted but still lags behind the average by 12%. Furthermore, only 5% of the planted corn has emerged.

The slower progress in soybean and corn planting can be attributed to the wet and cold weather conditions at the beginning of the season. Additionally, some fields are still too wet for large equipment to function effectively. Moreover, the relative delay in corn planting progress can be attributed to growers prioritizing early-season soybean planting.

— Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Note: To see state Crop Progress reports from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS): click here.

This monthly feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for Identity Preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed this month. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with David Kee or Shane Frederick. You should also follow David Kee on Twitter for some of the latest, most-interesting information on agronomy and research that affect IP and other farmers.

Minnesota

As winter begins to lose its grip on the state, Minnesota farmers are busy planning. Input availability still varies considerably across categories and locations. Farmers are still facing sticker shock on all inputs and services, however, fertilizer prices are dropping a bit. Of the farmers I chatted with, management plans in place are now versions P, Q and R. Most of the standard tillage and fertilizer applications occurred as scheduled last fall. Consequently, minor change in crop acreage allocation is anticipated, but spring rains and potential planting delays impacts may modify that.

Minnesota’s drought impacted area (D0-D2) has shrunk from 78% of the state on Dec. 6 to 57% in early March. The eastern third of the state is relatively drought-free. However, western Minnesota has limited subsurface water available; timely rains will be needed to make a good crop.

In the middle of February, soil temperatures, at 4-inch depth, ranged in the high 20s (^oF) in the north (Crookston) and low 30s in the south (Lamberton). Reports that tile lines are still open indicate the frost line is relatively shallow. Farmers are cautiously optimistic of an early planting season, but April is still three weeks away.

— David Kee, Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

 

Missouri

Moisture levels in Missouri have made a promising turnaround since our last update. We now have less than 5% of the state designated in a drought. Farmers across the state are well-positioned as we approach planting for corn and soybeans.

Wheat condition from the windshield looks very positive, and many fields are starting to green up. Hopefully with the early green up, we avoid any damage from March frosts. Stands appear to be strong at this time.

Farmers in the southern part of the state have started tillage and planting is approaching quickly. Temperatures in February were 6 degrees above average and March has started out well above average so planters will start moving soon.

— Eric Oseland, Director of Agronomy and Research, Missouri Soybeans

This monthly feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for Identity Preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed this month. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with David Kee or Shane Frederick. You should also follow David Kee on Twitter for some of the latest, most-interesting information on agronomy and research that affect IP and other farmers.

Illinois
With harvest now complete, growers have switched to preparing and planning the 2023 crop year. There are really a handful of concerns/thoughts on almost every grower’s mind:

• Fertilizer prices – Products applied this fall followed pretty closely to where we ended in the spring, $1,400-$1,600 NH3, $850 DAP, $860 POT. Urea has come off a bit with some recent buying opportunities at 25-30% discounts to spring, but not a favored product for N source in corn. There is some talk of the December-January prepay prices falling 10-20%, but those prices have not been quoted yet. We should know in the next two weeks!
• River levels at St. Louis – A large portion of the grain in Illinois that leaves the state goes through St. Louis. The river has rebounded some, but concern remains as we head into the heavy grain delivery period of January and February. If barges get loaded at less than 100% capacity, it will be a long winter of waiting in lines to deliver grain.
• Overall moisture levels in the soil – We have received some rainfall over the past couple of months, but subsoil moisture is still in a deficit state across most areas. As one grower recently stated, “The drought of 2012 started in the fall of 2011.” Let’s hope we don’t repeat that scenario.
• Other input prices/availability – Chemical prices seem to have moderated some with glyphosate and glufosinate dropping by almost half of where they were a year ago with availability in pretty good shape. Parts and equipment availability has not really improved at all, and some have commented that things continue to get worse. Fuel prices continue to drive growers to look for ways to reduce passes in the field without reducing yield. At current levels it is costing about $1/mile to put a semi-truck on the road to haul grain.
• The winter wheat crop has rebounded from the late planting/emergence and actually looks pretty good. Fall tillering did not have a chance to happen, so the crop will be relying on spring tillering for yield.
• The white corn market has surged, and growers in areas that have an outlet are considering switching to white instead of yellow. Premiums in most outlets got as high as $2 over yellow. There was a lot of white corn sold for $9/bushel.

 

Minnesota
Crop harvest is complete in Minnesota. As always, there is a remnant field still to be harvested, but these are few and far between. A blanket of snow covers what little winter wheat and cereal rye was planted this fall. Some farmers are concerned about future crop volunteer issues in 2023 due to excessive harvest escapes. Mostly, farmers are thinking about selling/delivery of the 2022 crop and 2023 planting decisions. Field work, soil sampling, tillage, manure and fertilizer applications, etc., have largely been completed. The dry fall allowed ample time for most farmers to complete field work, and even watch a ball game or two.

Minnesota is dry! What little fall rain received did not restore soil moisture status. Consequently, planting 2023 should prove to be interesting. According to the drought monitor, about 48% of the state is rated moderate to extreme drought (D1-D3).

The Nov. 29 USDA Crop Progress & Condition Report rates topsoil moisture supplies 53% short to very short, 46% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 54% short to very short, 45% adequate, and 1% surplus.

 

Missouri
Rounding out end of the year for 2022, we have some updates for the crops remaining in the ground. As of Nov. 27, about 2% of the corn crop remained on the stalk. We are not sure where these 2% fall within the state, but we can assume it is the crop that most farmers left to wait as they got their beans harvested and/or cotton picked.

Our 2022 winter wheat is 92% emerged right now with 58% of the crop rated as “good” by the USDA’s survey. There was only about half a day suitable for field work the last week of November, and with there being 64% of the state with adequate topsoil moisture, we know we have had a few rainy days ending the month. Rounding out November, about 28% of topsoil across the state was “short” on moisture, with only 8% of the topsoil on workable acres being “very short” on topsoil moisture. To give a bit of comparison for the subsoil moisture, Missouri’s workable ground is 50% adequate, 37% short and 13% very short.

We are ending 2022, and we hope to see our soil moisture increase in the coming weeks. We do have some rain forecasted with cold temps to follow. Merry Christmas to all and have a safe and wonderful New Year from you farmer leaders and staff at Missouri Soybeans!

Note: To see state Crop Progress reports from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) click here.