Wet weather continues to plague Missouri farmers struggling to get soybeans in the ground and hay out of the field.

Last week, soybean farmers saw just less than three days suitable for planting. Still growers report 59% of the 2016 crop planted, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress Report.

Average rainfall statewide reached 2.42 inches, 1.32 inches above normal. Counties in northwestern and southeastern Missouri experienced rainfall amounts anywhere from 4 to 6 inches.

Flooding threat

SOYBEANS EMERGE: Soybeans are 37% emerged across the state. Still some growers in west central and southwest Missouri are struggling to get the crop in the ground. These areas are just one-third of the way into the soybean planting season.

Excessive precipitation caused the Missouri River to rise putting pressure on levees. Friday, May 27, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers declared a flood emergency for the Missouri River. Heavy rain filled tributaries and caused the river water levels to jump rapidly. The rising waters threatened to meet the 2011 flood crest levels. The forecast was one that the Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency.

However, as of yesterday, the river levels were falling with nearly all river gauge locations below flood stage.

Tough hay season

The rain also created problems for Missouri hay growers. Hay cuttings were put on hold for much of the state as farmers waited out storms.

It will take a few days of dry, sunny weather to get hay harvest back on track. University of Missouri Extension is warning farmers against putting up wet hay. This wet hay could lead to spontaneous combustion causing damage to bale and barn.

Corn update

Most of the corn planting wrapped up with the state 13 points ahead of the 5-year average. Those who do not have corn in the ground are reporting switching to soybeans.

And the corn crop looks good. The USDA Crop Progress Report, farmers say that roughly 74% of the crop is in good or excellent condition.