Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending May 13, 2012.

General

On average, farmers had 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies were 5 percent very short, 36 percent short, 53 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 3 percent very short, 35 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Low temperatures ranged from 40 degrees Fahrenheit at Gilbert to 58 degrees Fahrenheit at Hot Springs, North Little Rock and Stuttgart. Highs ranged from 78 degrees Fahrenheit at Brinkley to 92 degrees Fahrenheit at Texarkana. Precipitation varied greatly throughout the state, and much needed rain fell over Arkansas’ delta region on May 7th.

Crops

Corn emergence was at 100 percent, 12 percent ahead of 2011 and 10 percent ahead of the five-year average. Producers had 93 percent of the cotton crop planted, 56 percent ahead of 2011 and 40 percent ahead of the five-year average. Cotton emergence was at 76 percent, 67 percent ahead of 2011 and 48 percent ahead of the five-year average. Producers had 99 percent of the rice crop planted, 39 percent ahead of 2011 and 23 percent ahead of the 5-year average. Rice emergence was at 96 percent, 48 percent ahead of 2011 and 35 percent ahead of the five-year average.

Sorghum planting was at 99 percent, 27 percent ahead of 2011 and 18 percent ahead of the five-year average. Sorghum emergence was at 96 percent, 39 percent ahead of 2011 and 32 percent ahead of the five-year average. Producers had 71 percent of the soybean crop planted, 42 percent ahead of 2011 and 37 percent ahead of the five-year average. Soybean emergence was at 56 percent, 38 percent ahead of 2011 and 35 percent ahead of the five-year average.

Livestock

Livestock were in good condition. Pasture and range condition was mostly good.

Tags: crop progress, crop weather and condition, USDA reports