Significant Drops in Oklahoma and Kansas Range Health
The US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) released its weekly Crop Progress report on September 9, 2024, detailing the current state of various crops across the nation.
The report highlights a substantial decline in pasture and range conditions in Oklahoma and Kansas, with both states experiencing a nine-point drop from the previous week, settling at 37% rated good to excellent.
In addition to pasture assessments, the report provided updates on several key crops. Corn nationwide is slightly down by one point from last week, now at 64% in good-to-excellent condition.
Soybeans held steady with a 65% good to excellent rating, while the conditions of other crops like cotton and grain sorghum also showed declines.
The report covers detailed progress on planting, growth stages, and harvesting of major crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Corn harvesting is underway with 5% complete, and soybeans are 25% into the leaf-dropping phase. Winter wheat planting has just begun, with 6% of the crop in the ground.
This week's report is crucial for farmers and agribusiness stakeholders, as it provides essential insights into the health of crops and pastures that directly impact decision-making and future agricultural practices.
The decline in pasture conditions, particularly in Oklahoma and Kansas, raises concerns about the potential long-term effects on livestock and related agri-industries in these regions.
The Crop Progress Report serves as a vital tool for the agricultural community, offering timely data that helps shape agricultural strategies and anticipate challenges in crop and livestock management across the United States.