Moderate temperatures and fairly widespread rain showers during the week were beneficial to field crops and pastures, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Aerial fungicide applications continued to be made to corn fields. Also, soybean fields were being sprayed for weeds. Hay crops and pastures are in very good condition for this time of year. Watermelons were being harvested in the southwestern district with some quality issues reported.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 5.5 days suitable for field work during the week. Ninety-three percent of the corn acreage has silked compared with 98 percent last year and 90 percent for the 5-year average. Thirteen percent of the corn acreage is in the dough stage compared with 65 percent last year and 31 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition is rated 76 percent good to excellent compared with 7 percent last year at this time.
Eighty-four percent of the soybean acreage is blooming compared with 93 percent last year and 80 percent for the 5-year average. Fifty-five percent of the soybean acreage is setting pods compared with 64 percent last year and 41 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition is rated 76 percent good to excellent compared with 15 percent last year.
Major activities during the week included: cutting hay, scouting crop fields for insects, applying herbicides, monitoring irrigation systems, mowing roadsides and taking care of livestock.
Source: Indiana NASS