Most of the state experienced warmer and drier weather than normal last week. Rainfall late in the week delayed the final fieldwork for some portions of the state with an average of 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Temperatures averaged 46.6 degrees statewide, 3 degrees above normal. Rainfall averaged 0.25 degrees, 0.47 inches below average. Topsoil moisture levels have largely recovered from the effects of the drought, with 4 percent rated as surplus, 78 percent adequate, 15 percent short, and only 3 percent very short.

There are only a few stands of corn or soybeans left to be harvested as 99 percent of the corn crop and 98 percent of the soybean crop have been harvested. Eighty one percent of the winter wheat has emerged, compared to 84 percent last year; the five-year average is also 81 percent. The sorghum crop is 99 percent harvested. With harvesting activities virtually complete, most farmers have turned their attention to tillage, fertilizer applications, preparing equipment for harvest and planning for next year.