We 1 (5-05) Weekly Weather And Crop Bulletin National Agricultural Statistics Service USDA Washington, D.C. Released May 17, 2005, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For information on Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin call Brian T. Young at (202) 720-7621, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. National Weather Summary Volume 92, No. 20 May 8 - 14, 2005 For additional information, call (202) 720-2397. Highlights: Widespread showers and thunderstorms brought local relief from a recent drying trend across the southern Plains, middle Mississippi Valley, and eastern Corn Belt, but caused flash flooding in parts of the east-central Plains and western Corn Belt. Meanwhile on the northern Plains, heavy rain and late-season snow halted fieldwork and increased livestock stress, but maintained favorable moisture levels for winter wheat and spring-sown small crops. Similarly showery conditions perpetuated a Northwestern wet spell that began in mid-March, aiding small grains but hampering fieldwork. Farther south, cool weather (weekly temperatures as much as 5 degrees F below normal) lingered across California and the Southwest, maintaining a season-long pattern that has slowed crop emergence and development. In contrast, weekly temperatures generally ranged from 5 to 10 degrees F above normal in the middle Mississippi Valley. Above-normal temperatures also prevailed from the central and southern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic States, but readings averaged more than 10 degrees F below normal at a few locations on the northern Plains. Elsewhere, brief, locally heavy showers interrupted an otherwise warm, dry pattern across the South. Dryness became more pronounced in several areas, especially from the Delta westward, increasing irrigation demands and stress on dryland crops. Early in the week, a pair of storms produced heavy rain in the Nation's mid-section and along the West Coast, respectively. On May 8, daily-record rainfall totals included 2.34 inches in Houston, TX; 1.27 inches in Redding, CA; and 0.76 inch in Grand Forks, ND. Houston's May 8 rainfall exceeded its April total (1.28 inches) and represented its highest daily sum since November 22, 2004, when 3.09 inches fell. A day later, records for May 9 were set in locations such as Ellensburg, WA (1.34 inches), and Astoria, OR (1.24 inches). By May 10, heavy precipitation associated with the Western storm moved farther inland, resulting in daily-record totals in Wyoming locations such as Sheridan (1.48 inches) and Riverton (0.92 inch). Sheridan also netted a daily-record sum (1.52 inches) the following day, boosting its 5-day (May 7-11) total to 5.84 inches--nearly 40 percent of its normal annual precipitation of 14.72 inches. Meanwhile, May 11-13 snowfall totaled 9.5 inches in Rapid City, SD, helping the city achieve its snowiest May since 1950, when 11.6 inches fell. Most (7.5 inches) of Rapid City's snow fell on May 11, representing its snowiest May day since May 3, 1905, when 9.0 inches fell. Farther west, high-elevation storm totals in Montana included 25 inches at Barker Lakes (Deer Lodge County) and 38 inches near Red Lodge. Meanwhile, more than 2 feet of snow blanketed parts of Utah's Wasatch Range, where mid-May snow depths remained greater than 100 inches at elevations above 8,000 feet. Near Alta, UT, at an elevation 9,600 feet, the May 13 snow depth was measured at 177 inches. Chilly weather trailed the Western storminess, while cool air also overspread the Northeast. Sacramento, CA, noted a daily-record low of 42 degrees F on May 10, followed by consecutive daily-record lows (19 and 21 degrees F on May 11 and 11, respectively) at Arizona's Grand Canyon Airport. In Montana, Miles City collected a daily-record low (27 degrees F) on May 14. Meanwhile in the Northeast, daily records for May 13 included 26 degrees F in St. Johnsbury, VT; 27 degrees F in Concord, NH; 29 degrees F in Binghamton, NY; and 32 degrees F in Scranton, PA. In contrast, record warmth expanded across the Plains and Midwest. On May 10, highs soared to 95 degrees F in Kansas locations such as WaKeeney and Healy, setting daily records. A day later, highs topped 90 degrees F and soared to daily-record levels as far north as the Illinois towns of Windsor and Palestine (both 91 degrees F). Joplin, MO (90 degrees F on May 11), reported its earliest spring reading of 90 degrees F or higher since April 19, 1998. In Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park notched three consecutive daily-record highs (91, 95, and 94 degrees F) from May 10-12. Elsewhere, torrential rainfall erupted on May 11 across the east-central Plains and western Corn Belt. On May 11-12, Grand Island, NE, set records for 6-, 12-, and 24-hour rainfall (6.38, 7.16, and 7.21 inches, respectively), eclipsing standards (5.65, 5.65, and 5.88 inches) established on September 1-2, 1977. Storm totals in excess of 10 inches were reported in the vicinity of Grand Island, Hastings, and Kearney, NE, resulting in flash flooding. Downstream, the South Loup River at St. Michael, NE, crested 0.89 foot above flood stage on May 12. Heavy rain also soaked parts of Iowa, where 72-hour (May 10-13) rainfall reached 6.70 inches in Adair. The Iowa River near Marshalltown, IA, crested 1.76 feet above flood stage on May 14. In contrast, May 1-14 featured only a trace of rain in Atlanta, GA, breaking its 1932 record of 0.01 inch. However, Atlanta netted 0.34 inch on May 15. Similarly, less than 1 inch of rain fell from April 12 - May 12 in Arkansas locations such as Hot Springs (0.43 inch) and Stuttgart (0.52 inch), marking the driest such period on record at both sites. Very warm, mostly dry conditions persisted in Hawaii, where weekly temperatures ranged from 2 to 5 degrees F above normal. From May 4-13, Honolulu, Oahu, set or tied nine daily-record highs (every day except May 9), posting maxima of 90 degrees F on May 5, 11, and 12. During the first 15 days of May, Honolulu's average temperature of 81.0 degrees F was 4.3 degrees F above normal. In addition, May 1-15 rainfall totals across the Hawaiian islands were as low as a trace (0.44 inch below normal) in Kahului, Maui, and 0.01 inch (also 0.44 inch below normal) in Honolulu. Farther north, record warmth also prevailed in Alaska, where several locations across southeastern and mainland portions of the State reported weekly temperatures at least 10 degrees F above normal. Consecutive daily-record highs were reported in numerous Alaskan locations, including Juneau (73 and 75 degrees F on May 9 and 10, respectively) and Galena (75 and 73 degrees F on May 11 and 12, respectively). Although May 1-15 precipitation totals included 0.06 inch (20 percent of normal) in Anchorage and 0.33 inch (also 20 percent) in Juneau, parts of Alaska received heavier amounts toward week's end. Both Barrow (0.09 and 0.08 inch) and Bethel (0.46 and 0.27 inch) collected daily-record precipitation totals on May 14 and 15. Barrow also measured consecutive daily-record snowfall amounts on May 14-15, totaling 3.3 inches. National Agricultural Summary May 9 - 15, 2005 Highlights: Wet conditions prevailed from the Pacific Northwest to the western Corn Belt, bringing much-needed moisture to most areas but seriously hindering fieldwork. Meanwhile, flooding threatened newly planted corn in Nebraska, and hailstorms caused some damage to winter wheat in Kansas. Across the central and eastern Corn Belt, rainfall benefited crops but caused few planting delays. Mostly dry conditions prevailed in the Southeast and Mississippi Delta, favoring fieldwork, particularly cotton and peanut planting. In the southern Great Plains, soil moisture shortages remained a concern despite moderate precipitation. Conditions were seasonably dry in the Southwest. Corn: Eighty-nine percent of the acreage had been seeded, compared with 91 percent last year and 79 percent for the 5-year average. Emergence advanced to 41 percent complete, 18 percentage points behind last year and 7 points behind normal. Planting was near completion ahead of the normal pace in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The most rapid progress was in Colorado, where growers planted 27 percent of their acreage during the week, and in the eastern Corn Belt, where planting advanced 20 to 21 points. Planting progress was ahead of normal in all States, except Colorado and Texas. Meanwhile, emergence advanced rapidly in the central Corn Belt, advancing 27 points in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Despite the faster-than-normal planting pace, most States trailed behind normal in emergence progress due to below-normal temperatures in most growing areas over the last 2 weeks. Soybeans: Growers had planted 46 percent of their acreage, 5 points behind last year but 7 points ahead of normal. Eleven percent of the crop had emerged, compared with 17 percent last year and 14 percent for the 5-year average. Planting advanced 36 points in Ohio, 33 points in Michigan, and 31 points in Illinois, where conditions favored fieldwork and growers shifted their attention from corn to soybeans. Most States were ahead of their normal planting progress, by as much as 30 points in Michigan. Emergence was most advanced in Mississippi, at 80 percent complete, and was ahead of normal throughout the Delta. However, emergence progress elsewhere was limited by cool weather in recent weeks and trailed behind the normal pace. Winter Wheat: Fifty-nine percent of the crop was at or beyond the heading stage, 8 points behind last year and 3 points behind normal. Heading neared completion in Arkansas and Oklahoma, at 98 percent, while California's crop held steady at 99 percent headed. Meanwhile, the crop advanced by 40 points in Illinois, 34 points in Kansas, and 31 points in Indiana. Crop condition continued to decline as severe weather threatened fields in the central Great Plains, and soil moisture shortages continued to stress the crop in the southern Great Plains. Cotton: Planting advanced to 55 percent complete, compared with 57 percent for last year and the 5-year average. Tennessee growers planted 45 percent of their acreage during the week under favorably dry weather, while planting advanced by 30 points in North Carolina. Planting also progressed well in the Southeast as mostly dry conditions prevailed for a second straight week. Despite planting nearly one-fourth of their acreage during the week, Oklahoma producers continued to trail well behind their normal pace. Sorghum: Producers had sown 26 percent of their acreage, 5 points behind last year and the 5-year average. Planting was underway in all States, with Delta growers leading the way at 86 percent complete in Louisiana and 84 percent complete in Arkansas. Illinois growers planted nearly 30 percent of their acreage during the week, while planting advanced 22 points in Missouri. However, progress was limited to 9 points or less elsewhere. Planting advanced 6 points in Kansas and just 1 point in Texas. Rice: Planting was 87 percent complete, 1 point behind last year but 1 point ahead of normal. Emergence had reached 63 percent complete, compared with 75 percent for last year and 70 percent for the 5-year average. Planting neared completion in Louisiana and Mississippi and edged closer to completion in Texas. California producers planted one-fourth of their acreage during the week but remained behind normal. Missouri's crop emerged rapidly, advancing 28 points under warm conditions. Small Grains: Spring wheat seeding advanced to 89 percent complete, 1 point behind last year but 15 points ahead of normal. Fifty-five percent of the crop had emerged, 6 points behind last year but 9 points ahead of normal. Planting was complete in South Dakota and Washington and was ahead of normal in all States, except Idaho. Emergence advanced 23 points in Minnesota and Montana despite below-normal temperatures. Barley growers had planted 83 percent of their acreage, compared with 88 percent last year and 73 percent for the 5-year average. Emergence reached 48 percent complete, 12 points behind last year but 3 points ahead of normal. Planting advanced just 1 point in Idaho, where showers severely hampered fieldwork. Minnesota and North Dakota growers were well ahead of their normal planting pace. Emergence was most active in Minnesota and Montana, advancing 27 and 28 points, respectively. Oat growers had planted 96 percent of their acreage, 1 point ahead of last year and 8 points ahead of normal. Emergence advanced to 78 percent complete, compared with 81 percent last year and 72 percent for the normal. Planting reached completion in Nebraska and South Dakota ahead of the normal pace. Progress was at or ahead of normal in all growing areas. Emergence was slightly behind normal in the Ohio Valley and Wisconsin, but ahead of normal elsewhere. Other Crops: Peanut planting reached 32 percent complete, 12 points behind last year and 15 points behind normal. Planting was active in the Southeast, advancing 31 points in Alabama and 29 points in Virginia as drier conditions were favorable for fieldwork. Growers in the southern Great Plains also progressed rapidly during the week, planting 28 percent of their acreage in Oklahoma and 30 percent in Texas. However, progress continued to trail behind normal in all States, except Oklahoma. Soybeans: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : AR : 59 40 46 36 IL : 70 39 54 45 IN : 57 33 63 47 IA : 45 26 72 47 KS : 36 18 29 33 KY : 43 16 19 20 LA : 59 47 59 55 MI : 58 25 31 28 MN : 28 17 68 46 MS : 91 79 92 77 MO : 43 21 38 31 NE : 36 15 47 36 NC : 24 9 20 18 ND : 19 15 39 24 OH : 63 27 50 48 SD : 12 9 33 22 TN : 31 13 16 17 WI : 39 29 21 27 : 18 Sts: 46 26 51 39 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 18 States planted 95% of last year's soybean acreage. Soybeans: Percent Emerged, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : AR : 36 NA 36 25 IL : 15 NA 21 18 IN : 12 NA 28 21 IA : 4 NA 19 13 KS : 9 NA 8 14 KY : 0 NA 5 9 LA : 47 NA 49 43 MI : 5 NA 14 8 MN : 1 NA 6 7 MS : 80 NA 86 65 MO : 15 NA 13 12 NE : 5 NA 12 10 NC : 6 NA 8 9 ND : 0 NA 2 2 OH : 9 NA 18 20 SD : 1 NA 3 3 TN : 9 NA 7 6 WI : 1 NA 0 5 : 18 Sts: 11 NA 17 14 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 18 States planted 95% of last year's soybean acreage. Corn: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : CO : 60 33 74 70 IL : 98 94 98 84 IN : 89 76 92 70 IA : 96 90 97 86 KS : 92 80 93 91 KY : 93 85 92 80 MI : 83 62 64 57 MN : 89 78 97 82 MO : 95 90 96 87 NE : 89 74 94 84 NC : 96 92 97 95 ND : 69 64 82 63 OH : 90 70 79 74 PA : 73 52 65 60 SD : 73 59 86 67 TN : 97 89 98 94 TX : 92 84 96 95 WI : 76 59 67 61 : 18 Sts: 89 79 91 79 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 18 States planted 92% of last year's corn acreage. Corn: Percent Emerged, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : CO : 17 7 35 25 IL : 79 52 82 66 IN : 51 24 67 50 IA : 41 14 68 50 KS : 57 36 57 63 KY : 66 56 78 68 MI : 13 3 32 24 MN : 10 1 50 35 MO : 79 62 84 72 NE : 32 10 60 44 NC : 86 65 90 84 ND : 4 2 22 20 OH : 28 11 46 46 PA : 17 8 29 27 SD : 7 2 33 19 TN : 80 64 92 87 TX : 75 68 79 82 WI : 12 3 18 23 : 18 Sts: 41 23 59 48 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 18 States planted 92% of last year's corn acreage. Winter Wheat: Percent Headed, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : AR : 98 93 98 99 CA : 99 99 99 99 CO : 24 12 50 28 ID : 0 0 0 0 IL : 80 40 85 80 IN : 43 12 60 56 KS : 69 35 86 76 MI : 0 0 3 2 MO : 75 48 85 81 MT : 0 0 0 0 NE : 4 0 33 17 NC : 92 78 95 95 OH : 2 1 11 15 OK : 98 92 99 98 OR : 23 8 26 14 SD : 0 0 3 1 TX : 89 76 90 88 WA : 29 14 10 8 : 18 Sts: 59 44 67 62 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 18 States planted 91% of last year's winter wheat acreage. Cotton: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : AL : 73 57 77 77 AZ : 90 87 81 87 AR : 77 54 66 68 CA : 98 88 100 96 GA : 38 19 53 56 KS : 8 3 0 2 LA : 92 74 84 83 MS : 87 65 86 82 MO : 93 75 68 74 NC : 70 40 70 67 OK : 27 3 48 48 SC : 56 34 60 53 TN : 72 27 44 54 TX : 34 24 41 39 : 14 Sts: 55 39 57 57 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 14 States planted 98% of last year's cotton acreage. Sorghum: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : AR : 84 77 78 86 CO : 18 10 14 12 IL : 43 14 32 21 KS : 11 5 17 20 LA : 86 78 84 79 MO : 46 24 41 43 NE : 15 6 16 15 NM : 3 0 9 5 OK : 27 21 25 24 SD : 10 4 15 9 TX : 50 49 58 54 : 11 Sts: 26 21 31 31 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 11 States planted 97% of last year's sorghum acreage. Peanuts: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : AL : 41 10 42 48 FL : 30 12 37 43 GA : 25 9 42 43 NC : 32 19 52 57 OK : 55 27 60 53 TX : 41 11 49 49 VA : 39 10 49 62 : 7 Sts : 32 11 44 47 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 7 States planted 96% of last year's peanut acreage. Rice: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : AR : 93 88 91 91 CA : 54 29 66 60 LA : 96 92 95 96 MS : 98 93 95 88 MO : 94 88 91 79 TX : 98 97 99 99 : 6 Sts : 87 79 88 86 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 6 States planted 100% of last year's rice acreage. Rice: Percent Emerged, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : AR : 67 51 81 78 CA : 10 1 28 20 LA : 89 80 91 91 MS : 86 71 89 76 MO : 60 32 78 59 TX : 95 90 95 95 : 6 Sts : 63 50 75 70 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 6 States planted 100% of last year's rice acreage. Spring Wheat: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : ID : 88 86 99 94 MN : 93 80 96 74 MT : 89 75 92 77 ND : 84 76 83 64 SD : 100 98 100 94 WA : 100 99 100 98 : 6 Sts : 89 80 90 74 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 6 States planted 98% of last year's spring wheat acreage. Spring Wheat: Percent Emerged, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : ID : 73 57 80 76 MN : 43 20 57 45 MT : 48 25 50 37 ND : 48 32 54 37 SD : 96 82 94 78 WA : 82 80 95 88 : 6 Sts : 55 38 61 46 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 6 States planted 98% of last year's spring wheat acreage. Barley: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : ID : 75 74 94 92 MN : 94 76 89 71 MT : 86 74 94 80 ND : 82 71 79 56 WA : 96 91 100 98 : 5 Sts : 83 74 88 73 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 5 States planted 81% of last year's barley acreage. Barley: Percent Emerged, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : ID : 57 38 67 67 MN : 42 15 41 41 MT : 51 23 72 47 ND : 40 23 46 28 WA : 69 64 96 87 : 5 Sts : 48 28 60 45 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 5 States planted 81% of last year's barley acreage. Oats: Percent Planted, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : IA : 100 100 100 100 MN : 97 81 94 85 NE : 100 99 100 98 ND : 85 76 83 64 OH : 99 94 91 94 PA : 98 94 88 89 SD : 100 96 100 91 TX : 100 100 100 100 WI : 94 87 98 87 : 9 Sts : 96 91 95 88 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 9 States planted 67% of last year's oat acreage. Oats: Percent Emerged, Selected States 1/ -------------------------------------- : Week Ending : :-----------------------: 2000- State:May 15,:May 8, :May 15,: 2004 : 2005 : 2005 : 2004 : Avg. -------------------------------------- : Percent : IA : 99 96 97 94 MN : 67 42 74 60 NE : 95 89 96 90 ND : 53 34 55 34 OH : 75 63 59 80 PA : 66 43 55 67 SD : 86 67 88 73 TX : 100 100 100 100 WI : 56 43 74 61 : 9 Sts : 78 66 81 72 -------------------------------------- 1/ These 9 States planted 67% of last year's oat acreage. Winter Wheat: Crop Condition by Percent, Selected States Week Ending May 15, 2005 -------------------------------------- State : VP : P : F : G : EX -------------------------------------- : Percent : AR : 0 9 45 39 7 CA : 0 7 9 35 49 CO : 1 10 27 38 24 ID : 0 1 4 73 22 IL : 1 6 26 55 12 IN : 2 6 24 56 12 KS : 2 10 35 43 10 MI : 1 2 25 63 9 MO : 2 8 38 46 6 MT : 3 10 35 44 8 NE : 2 6 38 45 9 NC : 0 3 27 60 10 OH : 1 3 19 56 21 OK : 4 15 42 32 7 OR : 2 7 37 49 5 SD : 1 6 28 49 16 TX : 4 16 36 35 9 WA : 1 3 19 65 12 : 18 Sts : 2 10 33 44 11 : Prev Wk : 2 9 30 47 12 Prev Yr : 8 16 31 38 7 -------------------------------------- Oats: Crop Condition by Percent, Selected States, Week Ending May 15, 2005 -------------------------------------- State : VP : P : F : G : EX -------------------------------------- : Percent : IA : 0 3 20 61 16 MN : 1 2 23 69 5 NE : 0 2 28 56 14 ND : 0 1 29 65 5 OH : 1 3 24 58 14 PA : 0 4 24 60 12 SD : 0 4 33 53 10 TX : 5 17 42 32 4 WI : 1 3 25 58 13 : 8 Sts : 1 6 30 55 8 : Prev Wk : 2 8 35 49 6 Prev Yr : 2 7 33 48 10 -------------------------------------- Rice: Crop Condition by Percent, Selected States, Week Ending May 15, 2005 -------------------------------------- State : VP : P : F : G : EX -------------------------------------- : Percent : AR : 3 6 34 47 10 CA : 0 0 51 49 0 LA : 0 4 52 38 6 MS : 0 1 21 73 5 MO : 0 6 22 71 1 TX : 0 2 19 69 10 : 6 Sts : 1 4 37 51 7 : Prev Wk : NA NA NA NA NA Prev Yr : 1 4 31 52 12 -------------------------------------- VP-Very Poor, P-Poor, F-Fair, G-Good, EX-Excellent. National crop conditions for selected States are weighted based on 2004 planted acres. Pasture and Range: Crop Condition by Percent, Selected States, Week Ending May 15, 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- State : VP : P : F : G : EX :: State : VP : P : F : G : EX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent :: : Percent : :: : AL : 1 2 24 63 10 :: NJ : 0 0 69 31 0 AZ : 3 19 37 27 14 :: NM : 0 7 33 60 0 AR : 1 6 36 49 8 :: NY : 1 6 28 52 13 CA : 0 0 15 40 45 :: NC : 1 4 22 67 6 CO : 2 13 33 44 8 :: ND : 4 12 44 36 4 CT : 0 9 51 27 13 :: OH : 1 5 23 53 18 DE : 0 2 24 57 17 :: OK : 4 16 36 37 7 FL : 0 5 35 55 5 :: OR : 3 3 25 59 10 GA : 0 4 29 60 7 :: PA : 2 9 42 36 11 ID : 0 0 15 56 29 :: RI : 0 0 0 60 40 IL : 1 3 22 61 13 :: SC : 0 1 28 59 12 IN : 0 3 22 64 11 :: SD : 9 19 33 34 5 IA : 0 3 16 61 20 :: TN : 0 4 23 61 12 KS : 1 9 38 47 5 :: TX : 4 15 39 33 9 KY : 1 4 29 54 12 :: UT : 0 2 14 68 16 LA : 7 20 50 23 0 :: VT : 2 8 53 35 2 ME : 0 14 25 49 12 :: VA : 1 6 32 52 9 MD : 0 14 20 50 16 :: WA : 8 20 26 45 1 MA : 0 5 21 50 24 :: WV : 0 13 37 48 2 MI : 2 8 34 42 14 :: WI : 2 10 40 42 6 MN : 1 7 33 52 7 :: WY : 6 22 41 25 6 MS : 2 6 38 46 8 :: : MO : 2 7 37 49 5 :: 48 Sts : 3 9 33 44 11 MT : 9 21 48 19 3 :: : NE : 2 10 34 46 8 :: Prev Wk: 3 11 31 45 10 NV : 0 0 7 67 26 :: Prev Yr: 7 14 28 41 10 NH : 0 3 32 53 12 :: : ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VP-Very Poor, P-Poor, F-Fair, G-Good, EX-Excellent. National crop conditions for selected States are weighted based on 2004 planted acres. Crop Progress and Condition Survey and Estimating Procedures Survey Procedures: Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data that are collected each week from early April to the end of November. The Crop progress and condition surveys are non-probability surveys that include a sample of more than 5,000 reporters whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Based on standard definitions, these reporters subjectively estimate progress of farmers' activities and progress of crops through their stages of development. They also provide subjective evaluations of crop conditions. Most reporters complete their questionnaire on Friday or early Monday morning and submit it to the Agricultural Statistics Service's office in their State by mail, telephone, fax, e-mail, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of the time that the questionnaire is completed, reporters are asked to report for the week ending on Sunday. For reports submitted prior to the Sunday reference date, a degree of uncertainty is introduced into the projections for weekend progress and crop condition changes. By the end of the 2001 season, nearly two-thirds of the data were being submitted through the internet website. As a result, about one-half of all data are submitted on Monday morning, which has significantly reduced this projection uncertainty. Reporters are sent written reporting instructions at the beginning of each season and are contacted periodically to ensure proper reporting. Terms and definitions of crop stages and condition categories that are used as reporting guidelines are available on the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) website at: www.usda.gov/nass/pubs/cwterms.htm. Estimating Procedures: Reported data are reviewed for reasonableness and consistency by comparing with data reported the previous week and data reported in surrounding counties for the current week. Each State Statistical Office summarizes the reported data to district and State levels, weighting each county's reported data by NASS county acreage estimates. Summarized indications are compared with previous week estimates, and progress items are compared with earlier stages of development and historical averages to ensure reasonableness. Weather events and reporter comments are also taken into consideration. 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