Most of the state experienced abnormally cool and dry conditions this past week, allowing 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Statewide rainfall totals averaged only 0.05 inches, 0.85 inches below average. Temperatures averaged 41.5 degrees, 8.5 degrees below average. Topsoil moisture was rated as 4 percent very short, 18 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was reported as 19 percent very short, 45 percent short, 35 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Fall tillage has been reported as mostly complete, and fall fertilizer applications are beginning.

Corn harvest is now 98 percent complete compared to 93 percent last year and 77 percent as the five-year average. Soybean harvest increased to 96 percent, the same as last year and 9 points about the five-year average of 87 percent. Winter wheat planting is nearly complete at 96 percent, with 74 percent of the crop emerged. Wheat conditions were rated at 1 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 74 percent good, and 4 percent excellent. Sorghum harvest is now 93 percent complete. Pasture conditions were rated at 12 percent very poor, 17 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 4 percent excellent.