Weather Change May Slow Harvest Progress

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippy

While the yields from this year’s harvest have been less than hoped for, at least the harvest has been quick and mostly uneventful. Long stretches of rain-free weather have allowed combines to make fast work of bringing in this year’s crop.   Kosciusko County farmer Todd Hoffman told HAT this week that field conditions on his farm were ideal, “Field conditions are ideal, and the harvest for most folks in this area has been going well.” The latest USDA report shows that almost three quarters of the corn has been harvested in Southern Indiana while almost half has been picked in northern counties.

 

But according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippy, all of that may begin to change this weekend, “There is a significant storm system emerging from the Southwest United States and that could spell an end to the open weather patterns we have seen in the corn belt.” He said warmer weather will bring a more active weather pattern and a greater chance of showers.  Rippy forecasts that farmers across the Midwest will likely see harvest interruptions over the next few weeks, “We are going to see some changes coming, and this will likely mean more rain for the eastern corn belt states.”  He added the rain will also hit the NW part of the US which will help the winter wheat crop, but that plains states will not likely see an increase in moisture which is sorely needed.

 

Hoosier Ag Today meteorologist Rob Wasson is forecasting, “Warmer and active weather begins this weekend with scattered showers and thunderstorms statewide.  All day rains are not expected, but a few heavy thunderstorms will be possible.  Temperatures will be very mild both Saturday and Sunday as highs push into the 70s. Total rainfall should range from .25” to .75” this weekend.” Wasson says there will be enough dry days next week that some farmers should be able to finish harvesting.

 

[audio:https://www.hoosieragtoday.com//wp-content/uploads//2012/10/weatherchange.mp3|titles=Harvest window may close]

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