Corn and rice harvest ahead of five-year average across the state

Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat A combine shells corn in a field located along U.S. Highway 61 south of Benton, Missouri, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023.

According to the Missouri Crop Progress and Condition Report released Monday, Sept. 18, corn dented reached 97%, compared to the five-year average of 94%. Corn mature reached 70%, compared to the five-year average of 61% for the week ending Sept .17. Corn harvested for grain reached 19%, compared to the five-year average of 14%. Corn condition rated 16% very poor, 24% poor, 27% fair, 31% good, and 2% excellent.

There were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 17. Temperatures averaged 65.9 degrees, 2.6 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.39 inches, 0.69 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply rated 23% very short, 39% short and 38% adequate. Subsoil moisture supply rated 23% very short, 40% short and 37% adequate.

Soybeans dropping leaves reached 38%, compared the five-year averaged of 18%. Soybean condition rated 6% very poor, 17% poor, 34% fair, 38% good and 5% excellent.

Cotton bolls opening reached 39%, compared to the five-year average of 56%. Cotton condition rated 4% poor, 39% fair, 52% good and 5% excellent.

Rice harvested reached 27%, compared to the five-year average of 20%. Rice condition rated 17% fair, 54% good and 29% excellent.