It was a near ideal week for crop development with scattered rain showers and very favorable temperatures, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Some preventative ground and aerial applications of fungicides and insecticides were made. However, farmers continued to scout crop fields and have reported very few disease or insect problems thus far this summer. A few localized areas are becoming a little dry where they have missed the recent rain showers, but they have not yet reached a critical point. Several farm families enjoyed some time off to attend the State Fair last week.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 5.6 days suitable for field work during the week. Ninety-seven percent of the corn acreage has silked compared with 100 percent last year and 96 percent for the 5-year average. Thirty-three percent of the corn acreage is in the dough stage compared with 81 percent last year and 49 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition is rated 77 percent good to excellent compared with 9 percent last year at this time.
Ninety percent of the soybean acreage is blooming compared with 97 percent last year and 89 percent for the 5-year average. Sixty-six percent of the soybean acreage is setting pods compared with 78 percent last year and 59 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition is rated 76 percent good to excellent compared with 16 percent last year.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock remained in good condition. Pasture condition declined slightly and is rated 68 percent good to excellent compared with only 3 percent last year at this time. Beef cattle operations have experienced a successful breeding season due to cool temperatures and ample pasture. The third cutting of alfalfa is forty-four percent complete compared with 72 percent last year and 41 percent for the 5-year average.
Source: NASS