Indiana and National Corn Progress Hits 86 Percent

Farmers made good progress planting corn and soybeans despite cool temperatures and intermittent rain showers, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The cool, wet spring has caused the winter wheat to mature slower than normal, but there have been very few reports of disease or insect problems associated with the crop. Hay is ready to cut all across the state, but the constant threat of rain makes it difficult to find enough time to get the crop baled and in the barn without it getting wet. Most of the fruit and berry crops will make it through the bloom stage this year with very little frost damage.

FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 4.6 days suitable for field work during the week. Eighty-six percent of the intended corn acreage has been planted at this time compared with 99 percent last year and 77 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 97 percent of the corn acreage has been planted in the north, 88 percent in the central region and 59 percent in the south. Fifty-six percent of the corn acreage has emerged compared with 95 percent last year and 59 percent for the 5-year average. National progress is also at 86 percent with 54 percent emerged.

Sixty percent of the intended soybean acreage has been planted compared with 92 percent last year and 49 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 79 percent of the soybean acreage has been planted in the north, 62 percent in the central region and 22 percent in the south. Twenty-four percent of the soybean acreage has emerged compared with 77 percent last year and 30 percent for the 5-year average. The national progress is 44 percent and just 14 percent of the soybean fields have emergence.

Ninety-six percent of the winter wheat acreage is jointed compared with 100 percent last year and 99 percent for the 5-year average. Sixty-eight percent of the winter wheat acreage is headed compared with 96 percent last year and 78 percent for the 5-year average. Winter wheat condition is rated 73 percent good to excellent compared with 66 percent last year at this time.

LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock remained in mostly good condition. Pasture condition remained steady and is rated 74 percent good to excellent compared with 49 percent last year at this time. First cutting of alfalfa hay is 22 percent complete compared with 88 percent last year and 32 percent for the 5-year average.