Heavy rainfall developed over the weekend in the Great Plains, boosting wheat prospects. Rainfall ranged from 2.5 to 4 inches of rain developed in Kansas and Oklahoma, the top 2 hard red winter wheat states. The Texas panhandle, another key wheat area received 1 - 1.5 inches, sufficient to replenish topsoil moisture.
Drenching rains were badly needed, following a dry March in the Great Plains. Rainfall deficits up to 3.25 inches occurred previously in central Kansas from a prolonged drought.
Satellite images from the weekend reveal strong showers and thunderstorms moving west to east across the Great Plains. There were recurring showers that began on Friday night and Saturday.
Northern Plains Wetness
North Dakota planting conditions have also benefited from heavy soaking rains over the weekend. This is the second leading wheat state in the country, behind Kansas, growing hard red spring wheat and durum. Wheat farms in South Dakota and Montana also received ample rainfall improving prospects for both winter and spring wheat.
Summer-Like Warmth in Midwest
Temperatures have warmed up on Midwest corn farms west of the Mississippi River. Highs in 70s F were reported last week. Nighttime lows were in in the 50sF. These warm temperatures are more typical of late May than mid April.
Indeed, field temperatures on many Midwest farms west of the Mississippi Valley are already warm enough to plant corn,. as daytime temperatures have exceeded 50 F. Corn seeds germinate with topsoil temperatures of 50 F or higher. Producers may be weighing the risk of planting very early for a potentially higher yield, or waiting a while until the freeze risk is reduced.
The average date of the final spring freeze is May 1st in central Iowa and May 15th in southern Minnesota.
East of the Mississippi River the Great Lakes region has been cooler than average in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. Corn producers there must wait for field temperatures to warm up before considering planting corn.
Forecast Update
Stormy weather is predicted next week in Texas and southern Oklahoma, further boosting wheat development, while drier conditions would develop in Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado. Further north the Upper Midwest is expecting generous rainfall for the second straight week.
Unusually warm temperatures are expected to dominate the Midwest corn belt in the upcoming week, temperatures rising 5-10 F above average.
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Pro Farmer.
