Indiana Corn Condition Improves with Cooler and Drier Weather

Favorable weather conditions last week enabled farmers to make good progress in field work, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Dryer weather in the beginning of the week enabled farmers to make strides in haying activities. Some farmers continued to irrigate fields due to the lack of rain until the latter part of the week. The statewide average temperature was 69.9 degrees, 3.1 degrees below normal. Statewide precipitation was 0.67 inches, below average by 0.24 inches. There were 5.4 days available for fieldwork for the week ending August 6 up 0.4 days from the previous week.

Regionally, corn was 94% silked in the North, 93% in Central, and 95% in the South. Corn was 35% in dough in the North, 61% in Central, and 56% in the South. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 56% in the North, 48% in Central, and 53% in the South. Soybeans were 92% blooming in the North, 90% in Central, and 86% in the South. Soybeans were 61% setting pods in the North, 69% in Central, and 66% in the South. Soybeans rated in good to excellent condition were 60% in the North, 50% in Central, and 52% in the South.

In the northwestern portion of the state, some fields were hit with nickel sized hail. There was some lightening and minimal damage. Crops are in varying stages due to replanting. Farmers are continually walking their fields for diseases. There have been several reports of weeds, and common and southern rust. Aerial application of fungicide has taken place across the state. Farmers continued with mint harvest. Potato harvest has begun. Pastures are reported in good shape, green and flourishing. Livestock are reported in great condition. Other activities included mowing roadsides, hauling grain, scouting for pests, spraying bins for fall harvest storage, and attending the Indiana State Fair.

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