Damp weather and muddy fields delay crop progress

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Planting in Missouri fields was delayed over the past week because of damp weather and continued muddy fields, the Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday. Farmers had an average of three days suitable for field work last week, the service said. Eighty-one percent of the ground intended for spring crops has been worked at least once, a few days ahead of last year and the five-year average. Topsoil moisture was rated 8 percent surplus, 85 percent adequate, 6 percent short and 1 percent very short. The service said 73 percent of corn acreage has been planted, nine days behind last year's pace but close to the five-year average.

Sorghum planting is 12 percent finished, about a week behind last year and the five-year average, the service said.

The wheat crop is rated 7 percent excellent, 51 percent good, 33 percent fair, 7 percent poor and 2 percent very poor. Heading is at 19 percent, three days behind last year and the average, the report said.

Also, rice planting is 57 percent complete, nine days behind last year but three days ahead of the average.

Pasture conditions were reported 6 percent excellent, 58 percent good, 32 percent fair and 4 percent poor.