For the week ending April 11, 2010

Agricultural Summary: Kansas farmers were able to begin fieldwork last week as warm temperatures accompanied by breezy conditions and mostly light precipitation allowed fields to dry. Temperatures were above normal across most of the state, with highs in the upper 70’s and 80’s, and lows in the upper 20’s and 30’s. Mid-week showers slowed some field activities in the Northwest and East Central Districts, but only three counties received more than an inch of rain. Douglas received the most with 1.99 inches, followed by Franklin at 1.27, and Johnson at 1.19. The favorable conditions allowed producers an average of 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated at 2 percent very short, 5 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. The subsoil moisture supplies were rated at 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Field activities included fertilizing, disking, planting corn, weed control applications to wheat, and seeding oats and barley.

Field Crop Report: Optimal weather conditions improved the condition of the winter wheat crop and allowed farmers to get more of the corn crop planted. Ninety-seven percent of the wheat crop has broken dormancy. Of that, 25 percent was jointed by Sunday, behind 35 percent for last year and 47 percent for the 5-year average. Wheat condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 56 percent good and 13 percent excellent. Eighty-five percent of the wheat crop was reported with no wind damage, 13 percent with light damage, and 2 percent with moderate damage. Eighty-five percent of the wheat crop was reported with no freeze damage, 14 percent with light damage, and 1 percent with moderate damage. Minimal insect and disease infestation was reported with only 5 percent with light insect infestation and 6 percent with light disease infestation. Corn planted increased 6 points from the previous week and is 7 percent complete, 2 percent ahead of the previous year and the same as the 5-year average.

Feed Supplies Report: Range and pasture conditions were rated at 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Feed grain supplies were rated at 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 88 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Hay and forage supplies were rated at 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Stock water supplies were rated at 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 86 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Warm, dry days are allowing pastures to green up and producers to start moving cattle onto them. Pasture burning is ongoing, when conditions allow.