Rain slowed field activities early in the week and left soils very wet in a few eastern counties, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farmers in other areas were busy with harvest and fall tillage operations. Corn harvest is nearing completion in several western counties allowing farmers to focus on the later planted soybean acreage remaining for harvest. A large amount of lime, dry fertilizer, manure and anhydrous ammonia was applied during the week. Many operations have finished planting winter wheat with good emergence being reported.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 4.7 days suitable for field work during the week. Eighty-nine percent of the corn acreage has been harvested compared to 69 percent last year and 74 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 87 percent of the corn acreage has been harvested in the north, 87 percent in the central region, and 95 percent in the south. Moisture content of harvested corn is averaging about 18 percent.
Eighty-nine percent of the soybean acreage has been harvested compared to 88 percent last year and 89 percent for the 5-year average. By area, 91 percent of the soybean acreage has been harvested in the north, 89 percent in the central region, and 87 percent in the south. Moisture content of harvested soybeans is averaging about 13 percent.
Ninety-three percent of the winter wheat acreage has been planted compared to 93 percent last year and 89 percent for the 5-year average. Seventy-two percent of the winter wheat acreage has emerged compared to 73 percent last year and 67 percent for the 5-year average. Seventy-two percent of the winter wheat acreage is in good to excellent condition compared to 68 percent last year at this time.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock are reported to be in mostly good condition. Hay supplies are tight in some areas, and a few operations are still cutting and baling hay. Pastures are in relatively good condition for this time of year.
Source: Indiana NASS