Crops outpace last year's development

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Most major state crops are developing faster than usual, the Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday.

Maturation of corn, soybean and rice crops is ahead of both last year and the average, according to the state.

Ninety-nine percent of corn has reached maturity, ahead of the five-year average of 97 percent and a few days faster than last year.

Among soybean crops, the state reported 76 percent dropping leaves and 56 percent mature -- ahead of last year and the five-year average. Soybean condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 46 percent good and 20 percent excellent.

Seventy-three percent of rice was reported harvested, about four days ahead of last year and the average.

Eighty-eight percent of cotton is opening bolls, more than a week ahead of last year but three days behind the five-year average. Crop condition was rated 20 percent fair, 63 percent good and 17 percent excellent, a slight improvement over a week ago.

In the sorghum fields, 81 percent of the crop has reached maturity, four days ahead of last year but three days behind the average.

Pasture condition was reported at 11 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 39 percent good and 6 percent excellent.

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On the Net:

Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service: http://agebb.missouri.edu/mass/