Missouri's flood threat, hay delay and soybean planting midwayMissouri's flood threat, hay delay and soybean planting midway
Farmers are at the midpoint of soybean planting, still weather has a few counties off the mark.
May 31, 2016
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
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.
About the Author(s)
Editor, Missouri Ruralist
Mindy resides on a small farm just outside of Holstein, Mo, about 80 miles southwest of St. Louis.
After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism, she worked briefly at a public relations firm in Kansas City. Her husband’s career led the couple north to Minnesota.
There, she reported on large-scale production of corn, soybeans, sugar beets, and dairy, as well as, biofuels for The Land. After 10 years, the couple returned to Missouri and she began covering agriculture in the Show-Me State.
“In all my 15 years of writing about agriculture, I have found some of the most progressive thinkers are farmers,” she says. “They are constantly searching for ways to do more with less, improve their land and leave their legacy to the next generation.”
Mindy and her husband, Stacy, together with their daughters, Elisa and Cassidy, operate Showtime Farms in southern Warren County. The family spends a great deal of time caring for and showing Dorset, Oxford and crossbred sheep.
You May Also Like
Gauging when planters roll
Feb 06, 2023Cow numbers drop to 61-year low
Feb 03, 2023How has inflation affected your farm?
Feb 03, 2023
Corn prices hang on for modest gains
Jan 18, 2023Be intentional with your communication this winter
Feb 06, 2023Oklahoma beef cattle numbers drop sharply
Feb 06, 2023Wheat Prices: If things get back to normal
Jan 18, 2023
