California could become the first state to require labeling of any food sold in the state containing ingredients made from genetically modified crops. California voters will make that decision on November 6th and polls have shown strong support for Proposition 37. But as the vote nears – that support appears to be waning. A new survey by the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy and the California Business Roundtable shows support for the so-called Right to Know measure has dropped from 66.9-percent to 48.3-percent in just two weeks. The survey shows opposition has increased to 40.2-percent – up from 22.3-percent.

Even if the voters of California decide against mandatory labeling – pressure is mounting on the federal government to tighten regulation of GMO crops and the foods they become. A national labeling campaign is underway. The Center for Food Safety filed a legal petition seeking mandatory labeling for GMO foods last year. The Food and Drug Administration has received more than 1.2-million comments in support of that petition. The Organic Consumers Association said last week it was delivering a petition with the backing of 200-thousand consumers calling on President Obama to require labeling. In addition – 14 states considered new bills on labeling or banning GMO foods last year. Federal regulators have repeatedly deemed any labeling or regulatory safety testing unnecessary.

Missouri Crop Progress and Condition

Agricultural Summary

General rainfall across the State limited farmers to 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Although every district averaged over an inch of precipitation, nearly 850,000 acres of soybeans were harvested.  Topsoil moisture supply improved to 21 percent very short, 26 percent short, 50 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.  Subsoil moisture supply was 51 percent very short, 32 percent short, and 17 percent adequate.  Ground worked fall tillage was 46 percent, 8 days ahead of last year, and 19 days ahead of normal.

Field Crops Report

Corn harvested was 95 percent, 14 days ahead of last year, and 48 days ahead of normal.  Soybeans turning color and beyond were 96 percent, 4 days behind last year, but same as normal.  Soybeans dropping leaves and beyond were 86 percent, 1 day behind last year, but 2 days ahead of normal.  Soybeans mature were 66 percent, 3 days behind last year, and 1 day behind normal.  Soybeans harvested were 36 percent, 5 days behind last year, and 1 day behind normal.  Soybean condition was 30 percent very poor, 30 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 11 percent good, and 2 percent excellent.  Cotton harvested was 47 percent, 1 day behind last year, and 2 days behind normal.  Cotton condition was 10 percent very poor, 24 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 29 percent good, and 2 percent excellent. Rice harvested was 94 percent, 15 days ahead of last year and 18 days ahead of normal.  Sorghum turning color and beyond was 96 percent, 14 days behind last year, and 7 days behind normal.  Sorghum mature was 74 percent, 9 days behind last year, and 7 days behind normal.  Sorghum harvested was 45 percent, 4 days behind last year, and 2 days behind normal.  Sorghum condition was 20 percent very poor, 36 percent poor, 33 percent fair, and 11 percent good.  Winter wheat planted was 41 percent, 3 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of normal.  Winter wheat emergence was 19 percent, 5 days ahead of last year and normal.

Pasture & Livestock

Pasture condition continue to improved from fall rains to 41 percent very poor, 22 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 8 percent good, and 1 percent excellent.  Supply of hay and other roughages was 54 percent very short, 31 percent short, and 15 percent adequate.  Stock water supplies were 49 percent very short, 31 percent short, and 20 percent adequate.

Weather Summary

Temperatures were 1 to 4 degrees below average.  Precipitation averaged 1.67 inches statewide.  The southwest district averaged 3.57 inches with McDonald County reporting 6.13 inches.