To use an Indianapolis 500 racing analogy, “the checkered flag is in site” for many Indiana farmers when it comes to the state’s overall planting progress.
So far, 77 percent of Indiana’s corn and 72 percent of soybeans have been planted across the state according to the USDA weekly crop progress report. That compares to 56 percent of corn and 52 percent of soybeans planted from last week’s report.
Planting progress for both corn and soybeans are well ahead of their respective five-year averages.
In addition, the USDA is reporting that 47 percent of the state’s corn crop and 40 percent of Indiana’s soybeans have already emerged.
“Soil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 83 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus,” says Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office.
“The average temperature for the week was 61.4 degrees Fahrenheit, 2.2 degrees below normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from none to 2.64 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.75 inches, 0.17 inches below normal. There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 21,” according to Warenski.
Winter wheat progress was slightly ahead of schedule and crop condition remained at 78 percent in good-to-excellent condition from the previous week.
Source: USDA