Topsoil moisture depleted rapidly during the week with
only scattered showers occurring across the state,
according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s
National Agricultural Statistics Service. Irrigation
systems were running full force to try to keep up with
the lack of rainfall. Some corn fields on light, well
drained soils are showing signs of stress because of
the dry conditions. Soybeans are in need of a good
soaking rain to help with pod fill. Harvest of processing
tomatoes and corn silage has begun in a few areas.
Pasture and hay conditions are beginning to deteriorate
due to the lack of moisture.
Seventy-seven percent of the corn acreage is in
the dough stage compared with 95 percent last year
and 82 percent for the 5-year average. Twenty-two
percent of the corn acreage is in the dent stage
compared with 71 percent last year and 42 percent for
the 5-year average. By area, 23 percent of the corn
acreage is in the dent stage in the north, 20% in the
central region, and 24% in the south. Corn condition
is rated 72 percent good to excellent compared with 10
percent last year at this time.
Ninety-eight percent of the soybean acreage is
blooming compared with 100 percent last year and 98
percent for the 5-year average. Eighty-eight percent of
the soybean acreage is setting pods compared with
97 percent last year and 87 percent for the 5-year
average. Soybean condition is rated 67 percent good
to excellent compared with 23 percent last year.