Farmers were intent on spraying their soybeans and sidedressing their corn the week ending June 15, 2014, but rain events at the start and middle of the week put a halt to most field activity according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Average temperatures ranged from 64 to 71 degrees, or six degrees below to one degree above normal. The lowest recorded temperature was 42 degrees while the highest was 89. The statewide average temperature for the week was 67.4 degrees, 3.2 degrees cooler than normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.20 to 4.34 inches, with a statewide average of 1.04 inches.
Corn emergence was nearly tied among districts, with North leading at 96% followed by Central and South at 95%. Soybeans planted led in the North as well at 95%, followed by Central at 93% and South lagging at 82%. For winter wheat coloring, South led at 74%, followed by Central at 35% and North at 22%.
Continued ponding in many fields has some farmers set on even more replanting, especially of soybeans. In addition to flood damage, some corn is showing yellow from nitrogen deficiency in cases where sidedressing has been delayed, but the corn crop overall is in fair to good condition. The winter wheat harvest has begun in a few southern counties. Winter wheat and pasture are benefitting from the rain and warm temperatures and are mostly in good to excellent condition – As a result, livestock are reported to also be doing well. Relatively dry and breezy conditions over the weekend provided an opportunity for farmers to cut and dry their hay. Other activities for the week included mowing of roadsides, tending to machinery, and certifying acres with the FSA.