Sparse to significant rain across the state with some instances of severe weather, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The precipitation is expected to benefit pastures and alfalfa fields but much more rain is needed. The rains also assisted farmers working to control spider mites. There were some reports of downed corn after storms moved through the state. Concerns over water supply rose as some wells ran dry along with creeks and small ponds. Ears have been dropping, but true progress has been difficult given extreme conditions and wide variability between fields.
Sixty-nine percent of the corn acreage is in dough compared with 19 percent last year and 29 percent for the 5-year average. Twenty-five percent of the corn is in the dent stage compared to 0 percent last year and 4 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition deteriorated slightly and is now rated 7 percent good to excellent compared with 41 percent last year at this time.
Ninety-four percent of the soybean acreage is blooming compared with 76 percent last year and 81 percent for the 5-year average. Six percent of the soybean acreage is setting pods compared with 33 percent last year and 43 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition decreased slightly and is now rated 15 percent good to excellent compared with 44 percent last year at this time.
Source: NASS