(NDAgConnection.com) – For the week ending Sunday, there were 1.9 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Reports indicated that, on average, producers intend to begin fieldwork on April 18. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 24% very short, 18% short, 53% adequate, and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 25% very short, 28% short, 44% adequate, and 3% surplus.

Spring wheat planted was 2%, behind 7% last year, and equal to the five-year average.

Durum wheat planted was 1%, near 3% last year.

Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 22% poor, 42% fair, 32% good, and 3% excellent. Winter wheat jointed was 9%, ahead of 4% last year.

Barley planted was 1%, near 3% last year, and equal to average.

Cattle and calf conditions rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 32% fair, 52% good, and 8% excellent. Cattle and calf death loss rated 5% heavy, 58% average, and 37% light. Calving progress was 48% complete, behind 56% last year, and near 50% average.

Sheep and lamb conditions rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 28% fair, 55% good, and 10% excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss rated 1% heavy, 62% average, and 37% light. Lambing progress was 74% complete, equal to last year, and ahead of 68% average. Shearing progress was 76% complete, behind 84% last year.

Hay and roughage supplies rated 29% very short, 32% short, 39% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Stock water supplies rated 16% very short, 28% short, 55% adequate, and 1% surplus.