Warm weather helped crops but topsoil continued to dry out
as much of Wyoming went rainless last week, according to the
state Agricultural Statistics Service.
Most of Wyoming had only light precipitation from May 7-13
except for isolated areas in the southeast. Topsoil moisture
was adequate in 43 percent of the state, compared to 52
percent the week before, 64 percent last year and the
five-year average of 69 percent.
Topsoil moisture was short in 53 percent of Wyoming, up
from 42 percent the week before and 32 percent last year. On
average, 22 percent of the state lacks topsoil moisture this
time of year.
Irrigation supplies were meanwhile adequate in just a third
of Wyoming. They were short in 53 percent of Wyoming and very
short in 14 percent of the state.
By Sunday, 66 percent of the barley crop had emerged and 5
percent was jointing. Both indicators are on the five-year
average pace.
Spring wheat was slightly behind average, with two-thirds
of the crop planted and 23 percent emerged. Oats seeding was
61 percent done and 24 percent of the crop had emerged.
Ninety-eight percent of the sugar beet crop was in the
ground, but only 34 percent had emerged, compared to the
average of 46 percent for this time of year.
Winter wheat was about a third jointed, compared to the
average of 24 percent, and only half the crop was rated in
good condition.
As for livestock, 96 percent of calves and 95 percent of
lambs had been born.
Farm flock shearing was done and range flock sheep were 90
percent shorn. Both were near the average.
Livestock as a whole were rated in good to excellent
condition in two-thirds of the state and in mostly fair shape
elsewhere.
Temperatures were warmer than normal in most areas. Average
temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in Chugwater
to 4 degrees above normal in Riverton.
Big Piney reported the low temperature for the week, 14
degrees, while the high reading, in Deaver, was 83. Highs
ranged mostly in the low 70s to the low 80s while lows were in
the high teens to low 30s. |