Harvest of both corn and soybeans rapidly advanced during the week with only minor delays due to scattered rain showers and heavy morning dew, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn harvest is running about 8 days ahead of the 5-year average pace, while soybean harvest lags about 2 days behind the average. Many farmers have been reluctant to store corn on the farm due to fears of aflatoxin contamination. Tobacco harvest is nearing an end for some producers with close to average yields reported. Planting of winter wheat is well underway and will gain momentum as farmers finish harvesting corn and soybeans.
Field Crops Report
There were 4.4 days suitable for field work during the week. Ninety-one percent of the corn acreage is mature compared to 61 percent last year and 70 percent for the 5-year average. Thirty-five percent of the corn acreage has been harvested compared to 26 percent last week, 9 percent last year and 22 percent for the 5-year average. National corn harvest jumps from 39 percent last week to 54 percent.
By area, 28 percent of the corn acreage has been harvested in northern Indiana, 30 percent in the central region, and 61 percent in the south. Corn condition is rated 11 percent good to excellent compared with 33 percent last year at this time. Moisture content of harvested corn is averaging about 21 percent.
Eighty-eight percent of the soybean acreage is shedding leaves compared to 72 percent last year and 81 percent for the 5-year average. Eighteen percent of the soybean acreage has been harvested compared to 10 percent last week, 4 percent last year and 22 percent for the 5-year average. The national soybean progress is at 41 percent, almost double a week ago.
By area in Indiana, 20 percent of the soybean acreage has been harvested in the north, 19 percent in the central region, and 17 percent in the south. Soybean condition is now rated 29 percent good to excellent compared with 41 percent last year at this time. Moisture content of harvested soybeans is averaging about 14 percent.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report
Livestock remain in mostly good condition. Pasture condition is rated 24 percent good to excellent compared with 19 percent last year at this time. Late cuttings of hay have helped to increase forage supplies but some operations will still be short going into the winter months.
Source: Indiana NASS