Cool, dry weather prevailed during the week leaving some areas in need of rain, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The recent cool temperatures have slowed the development of the corn crop which may delay harvest later this fall. However, pollination and grain fill have been relatively good this season. The corn and soybean crops are in need of warmer temperatures and a good general rain to help finish the season. Some tobacco is beginning to be cut in southern counties.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 6.5 days suitable for field work during the week. Nearly all of the corn acreage has tasseled at this point. Fifty-six percent of the corn acreage is in the dough stage compared with 90 percent last year and 67 percent for the 5-year average. Six percent of the corn acreage is in the dent stage compared with 55 percent last year and 26 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition is rated 76 percent good to excellent compared with 9 percent last year at this time. National corn condition dropped from 64 to 61 percent good to excellent in the last week.
Ninety-six percent of the soybean acreage is blooming compared with 99 percent last year and 95 percent for the 5-year average. Seventy-nine percent of the soybean acreage is setting pods compared with 92 percent last year and 75 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition is rated 74 percent good to excellent compared with 20 percent last year. There was a 2 percent drop in national soybean good to excellent ratings, falling this week to 62 percent.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock remained in mostly good condition and have been under very little stress with the recent cool temperatures. Pasture condition fell a little further but is still rated 64 percent good to excellent compared with only 6 percent last year at this time. The third cutting of alfalfa is 67 percent complete compared with 80 percent last year and 59 percent for the 5-year average.
Source: NASS