For the week ending November 24, 2013, temperatures dropped below normal throughout most of the State by week’s end, as a wintery mix of precipitation swept across most of Kansas on Thursday, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Precipitation amounts were limited to less than a half inch, except in southeast Kansas where some totals were closer to an inch. Most of northwest Kansas stayed dry last week.

The hard freeze did help dry down remaining crops before the winter storm halted harvest progress. Cattle producers have been busy fencing and moving some cattle to crop residue.

There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 8 percent very short, 22 short, 66 adequate, and 4 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 16 percent very short, 27 short, 55 adequate, and 2 surplus.

This is the last weekly Crop Progress and Condition report for the 2013 growing season. For December through March, USDA will issue monthly reports. The first monthly report (December) will be issued December 30. Weekly reports will begin April 7th.

Field Crops Report: Winter wheat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 3 poor, 33 fair, 56 good, and 7 excellent.

Corn harvest was 98 percent complete, behind 100 last year, but near 96 average.

Sorghum harvested was 97 percent, near 99 last year but ahead of 91 average.

Soybeans harvested was 95 percent, behind 100 last year but near 96 average.

Cotton harvested was 55 percent, well behind 83 last year but near 58 average.

Sunflowers harvested was 94 percent, near 96 last year but ahead of 87 average.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Stock water supplies rated 11 percent very short, 16 short, 70 adequate, and 3 surplus.

Source - http://www.mcphersonsentinel.com/