As reported by NASS on May 7, 2012

SCATTERED SHOWERS PROVIDE LITTLE RELIEF

Unusually high temperatures and sunny days combined to minimize the benefits of scattered showers that fell in many areas across the state. Reporters in all regions reiterated the need for a general soaking rain. Row crops were holding on with three-fourths of the corn and winter wheat acres rated in good-to-excellent condition. Crop development continues to advance well ahead of the normal pace. Pastures declined some from the previous week, but cattle were reported to be mostly good condition. Other farm activities this week included post-emergence herbicide and fertilizer applications, cutting hay, scouting for insects and diseases, harvesting strawberries, and continued assessment of freeze damage on fruit crops. Continue reading →

As reported by NASS on April 30, 2012

A GOOD GENERAL SOAKING RAIN NEEDED!

Rainfall totals throughout most of the state last week were below normal, which led to short-to-very short soil moisture supplies in almost forty percent of the farmland. All crops and pastures, however, remain rated in mostly good-to-excellent condition with development advancing well ahead of the normal pace. Continue reading →