Ninety-four percent of the soybean acreage is planted compared with 73 percent a year ago and 49 percent for the average. Seventy percent of the intended soybean acreage has emerged compared with 46 percent last year. Other activities during the week included tilling soils, applying anhydrous ammonia, cleaning and repairing equipment, spraying, irrigating, chopping forage, mowing roads and hauling manure. Eighty-eight percent of the winter wheat is headed compared with 84 percent last year and 58 percent for the average. Winter wheat condition is rated 64 percent good to excellent compared with 79 percent a year ago at this time.
Livestock are in mostly good condition.
Transplanting of tobacco is 26 percent complete compared with 11 percent for the average. First cutting of hay and forage crops is underway in some areas of the state. Upon visiting this area, the damage seen in many fields will leave a lasting impression. Wheat, grass pastures, soybean fields, and lawns were observed with devastating damage. It certainly gives one an appreciation for the biotic potential of this insect.