The dry weather kept farmers very busy as they push to catch up on fall harvest, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Average temperatures for the week ending October 26 ranged from 46 to 56 degrees, and from 4 degrees below to 4 degrees above normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 26 degrees; the highest, 81 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 51.8 degrees, 0.5 degrees above normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.00 to 0.27 inches, with a statewide average of 0.07 inches.
By region, corn harvested for grain was 39% in North, 38% in Central, and 68% in South. By region, soybeans harvested was 51% in North, 49% in Central, and 51% in South. By region, winter wheat planted was 73% in North, 59% in Central, and 66% in South. By region, winter wheat emerged was 52% in North, 32% in Central, and 25% in South. Corn and soybean harvest progressed nicely this week, although both are still behind last year.Statewide 44% of the corn has been harvested with 50% of the soybeans harvested. More winter wheat was planted this week as soybeans and corn are moved off the fields. Several fields have rut damage from the prolonged rainy weather. Farmers have begun to move livestock to winter pastureland, which remain in good condition.