Planting of corn and soybeans forged ahead at record paces, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The previous record planting pace was in 2010 when approximately 65 percent of the corn and 17 percent of the soybeans had been planted at this time. Frost continues to be a concern with temperatures dropping as low as 27 degrees during the week in some northern areas.
Some winter wheat fields are being destroyed due to frost damage. Alfalfa weevils have emerged early and are prevalent in many fields. Windy conditions made it difficult to spray herbicides during the week.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 5.3 days suitable for field work during the week. Seventy percent of the intended corn acreage has been planted compared with 2 percent last year and 20 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 66 percent of the crop has been planted in the north, 73 percent in the central region and 71 percent in the south. Twenty-four percent of corn acreage has emerged compared with 0 percent last year and 4 percent for the 5-year average.
Nationally the corn planting progress jumps to 53 percent, up from 28 percent last week and more than 40 percent ahead of last year. Corn emergence is up to 15 percent.
Twenty-eight percent of the intended soybean acreage has been planted compared with 0 percent last year and 4 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 27 percent of the soybean crop has been planted in the north, 30 percent in the central region and 25 percent in the south.
Nationally 12 percent of intended soybean acres have been planted, doubling the progress of a week ago.
Eighty-eight percent of the winter wheat acreage is jointed compared with 51 percent last year and 57 percent for the 5-year average. Thirty-four percent of the winter wheat acreage has headed compared with 1 percent last year and 0 percent for the 5-year average.
Winter wheat condition declined slightly from last week and is now rated 75 percent good to excellent compared with 57 percent last year at this time.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock are reported to be in mostly good condition at this time. Pasture condition is rated 70 percent good to excellent compared with 50 percent last year at this time. Growth of pastures and hay crops has slowed due to the recent cool weather and dry soil conditions.