Farmers worked long hours anywhere soils were dry enough to support tillage and planting equipment, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The most planting progress occurred in northern and some central areas. At this time farmers are ahead of both 2009 and 2011 when approximately 15 percent and 18 percent of the corn acreage had been planted respectively. Additional rainfall across southern counties left soils very wet keeping field work to a minimum. Recently, hay crops have shown considerable growth and will be ready to cut with the first window of opportunity.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 3.0 days suitable for field work during the week. Thirty percent of the intended corn acreage has been planted at this time compared with 92 percent last year and 54 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 44 percent of the corn acreage has been planted in the north, 21 percent in the central region and 19 percent in the south. Three percent of the corn acreage has emerged compared with 71 percent last year and 32 percent for the 5-year average. National progress is now at 28 percent, up 16 percent from last week.
Six percent of the intended soybean acreage has been planted compared with 65 percent last year and 26 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 10 percent of the soybean acreage has been planted in the north, 4 percent in the central region and 1 percent in the south.
Eighty percent of the winter wheat acreage is jointed compared with 98 percent last year and 89 percent for the 5-year average. Nineteen percent of the winter wheat acreage is headed compared with 78 percent last year and 33 percent for the 5-year average. Winter wheat condition is rated 73 percent good to excellent compared with 74 percent last year at this time.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock remained in mostly good condition with no health problems reported. Pasture condition improved further and is now rated 71 percent good to excellent compared with 74 percent last year at this time.
Source: Indiana NASS