Indiana Corn Planted up 11 Percent Despite Limited Field Time

There were 1.2 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 18, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region, but the planted Indiana corn crop moved from 61 percent in the previous week to 72 percent in the new report. That mark is 10 percentage points ahead of the 5 year average. Corn emerged is now at 42 percent, 3 percent better than the 5 year average. National progress jumps 14 to 73 percent planted, just behind the 5 year average. Corn that has emerged is now at 34 percent.

Soybean planting jumped 10 points to 33 percent, 2 percent behind the 5 year average for Indiana. Nationally soybeans planted is also at 33 percent, 5 percent the 5 year average but up 13 percent from the previous report.

In the regional progress summary: Winter wheat headed, North 8%, Central 19%, South 61%. Corn planted, North 76%, Central 73%, South 60%. Soybeans planted, North 37%, Central 34%, South 23%.

Temperatures for the week ranged from 30º to 87º F, with precipitation totals ranging from 1.14 inches to 5.22 inches across the state. The week began warm and dry, but a Tuesday cold front ushered in cool weather and precipitation lasting until Saturday. Morning frosts were reported statewide on Friday and Saturday, and small hail was reported in some southern districts.

Excess precipitation throughout the season has led to flooded fields across the state, especially in the south. Some planting occurred at the beginning and end of the week, but wet weather kept farmers out of fields for the majority of the week. Newly planted corn and soybeans did not see much progress for the week, and already-emerged corn and soybeans were reported to be yellowing in some northern counties. Winter wheat and pasture are mostly in good condition, but some farmers continued to prepare to convert poor wheat stands to other crops. Some farmers have been spraying alfalfa weevil.

Source: NASS