Scattered showers brought temporary drought relief in some northern and east central areas during the week, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. However, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, conditions worsened across many of the southwestern and central counties with nearly 20 percent of the state now falling under exceptional drought, which is the worst form. Spider mites were being sprayed in both soybean and corn fields during the week. Livestock operations are closely monitoring nitrate levels as they continue to chop corn silage. Larger than normal numbers of cattle are going to market due to the lack of pasture and forage supplies. Water sources are also a concern for livestock operations as many creeks and ponds have dried up.
Ninety-seven percent of the corn acreage has silked compared with 76 percent last year and 80 percent for the 5-year average. Forty-one percent of the corn is in dough compared to 6 percent last year and 14 percent for the 5-year average. Six percent of the corn is in the dent stage compared to 0 percent last year and 1 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition improved slightly and is now rated 9 percent good to excellent compared with 41 percent last year at this time.
Eighty-eight percent of the soybean acreage is blooming compared with 62 percent last year and 69 percent for the 5-year average. Fifty-one percent of the soybean acreage is setting pods compared with 18 percent last year and 26 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition showed some improvement and is now rated 16 percent good to excellent compared with 44 percent last year at this time.
Source NASS