As reported by NASS on May 31, 2011

SOYBEAN AND COTTON PLANTING CONTINUE BETWEEN STORMS

Wet, stormy spring weather resumed early last week, followed by a hot and dry weekend. Although farmers were kept out of some wet fields, planting progress occurred and the wheat and hay crops continued to mature. A third of the state’s soybean acreage was planted by week’s end, placing it about a week behind schedule. At 61% planted, the cotton crop was also about a week behind the average pace. Some areas of the state proved dry enough to chop and bale hay and by week’s end over half of the state’s hay acreage had been cut. The winter wheat crop remained in mostly good condition and slightly ahead of normal progress. Farmers in some areas were faced with damage from scattered storms yet again last week. All areas of the state have reported above-normal precipitation since April1.

There was an average of 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork across the state. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 28 percent surplus. Temperatures averaged 2 to 6 degrees above normal. Precipitation levels were near normal.