Harvest was slowed early in the week due to rain and muddy field conditions, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Some areas received heavy rain showers which saturated soils and temporarily halted harvest and tillage operations. Farmers resumed harvest activities midweek as sunshine returned to the state. Corn harvest is now about 12 days ahead of last year’s pace, and soybean harvest is about 2 days ahead of last year. Farmers continued seeding winter wheat and cover crops on soils that were dry enough to support planting equipment.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 4.4 days suitable for field work during the week. Eighty-one percent of the corn acreage has been harvested compared to 53 percent last year and 64 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 76 percent of the corn acreage has been harvested in the north, 81 percent in the central region, and 93 percent in the south. Moisture content of harvested corn is averaging about 18 percent. The national harvested percentage is up to 91.
Eighty-one percent of the soybean acreage has been harvested compared to 77 percent last year and 82 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 83 percent of the soybean acreage has been harvested in the north, 80 percent in the central region, and 79 percent in the south. Moisture content of harvested soybeans is averaging about 13.5 percent. National harvest progress is at 87 percent.
Eighty-six percent of the winter wheat acreage has been planted compared to 82 percent last year and 81 percent for the 5-year average. Fifty-five percent of the winter wheat acreage has emerged compared to 51 percent last year and 52 percent for the 5-year average.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock are in good condition. Pasture condition is rated 38 percent good to excellent compared with 27 percent last year at this time. Livestock operations have been very happy with the re-growth of pastures after the drought experienced through the summer months.
Source: Indiana NASS