Cooler temperatures in Northern Indiana along with strong weekend storms and increased precipitation in Central and Southern Indiana slowed planting progress, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The beginning of the week was mild, but gave way for moderate to heavy rainfall through the weekend. Much of the precipitation occurred from Central Indiana downward, bring severe weather in some areas. Statewide average temperatures were slightly above normal at 58.9 degrees. Statewide precipitation was 1.82 inches, above normal by 0.92 inches. There were 2.8 days available for fieldwork for the week ending May 1, down 1.2 days from the previous week.
Regionally, corn planted was 25% in the North, 34% in Central, and 28% in the South. Corn planted remains far ahead of last year and the five year average. Cooler air and soil temperatures over the past week have some growers concerned about successful seed germination in the newly planted crop. On the other hand, the increased rainfall and hail storms in Central and Southern Indiana that came in over the weekend posed a risk for emerged corn. Any crop damage to corn is unknown at this time.
Soybeans planted was 5% complete in the North, 8% in Central, and 4% in the South. Plantings have been spread throughout the state as farmers are able to finish up corn planting.
Wheat jointing was 71% in the North, 82% in Central, and 90% in the South. Wheat headed was 4% in the North, 10% in Central, and 25% in the South. Despite the cooler temperatures and excess moisture in some areas, wheat condition ratings remain high. There have been some aerial applications on headed wheat to defend against stripe rust and head scab.
While hay fields and pastures continue to look lush, growth for hay has slowed down slightly this week. Some hay fields are close to a first cutting provided they dry out. Alfalfa seedings are near completion. Livestock is in excellent condition and are almost all out on pasture.