Heavy but scattered rain for the week provided relief to some farmers while others experienced flooding and crop damage in various regions of the State, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. For the week ending August 24, 2014, average temperatures ranged from 73 to 80 degrees, and from 2 degrees to 8 degrees above normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 58 degrees; the highest, 95 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 76.4 degrees, 4.1 degrees above normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.10 to 9.18 inches, with a statewide average of 2.37 inches.
By region, corn denting was 46% in South, 43% in Central, and 36% in North. By region, soybeans setting pods was 96% in North, 93% in Central, and 93% in South. While soybeans setting pods received much needed moisture, excess water and humidity in the fields contributed increased SDS and foliar lesions in certain counties. Many farmers consider their corn too far along to benefit from increased rains. Opportunities for cutting hay have been limited.
Indiana corn rated in good to excellent condition equaled 73% while soybean condition declined to 69% in good to excellent condition.
Nationally
The USDA corn conditions were estimated 73% in “Good” or “Excellent” condition, a 1% increase from last week, but a 14% increase from last year. 20% was considered “Fair”, unchanged from last week, while only 7% was considered “Poor” or “Very Poor.” Of the Corn Belt states, Illinois had the most corn rated “Excellent” at 30%, followed by Iowa and Indiana with 24% and 22% respectively. Corn doughing was reported at 83%, a 13% increase from last week and 5% ahead of the five-year average. Corn dented was reported at 35%, a 13% increase from the previous week, but 8% behind the five-year average. Of the five largest corn producing states, Illinois reported the most dented corn at 48%, followed by Nebraska and Indiana with 44% and 41% respectively.
Soybean conditions were reported with 70% of the crop in “Good” or “Excellent” condition, a 1% decrease from last week, but a 12% increase from last year. 23% was reported in “Fair” condition, unchanged from the previous week, while only 7% was reported as “Poor” or “Very Poor.” Of the five largest soybean producing states, Illinois and Iowa had the most crop rated “Excellent,” at 23% and 22% respectively. Soybeans setting pods were reported at 90%, a 7% increase from last week and 1% ahead of the five-year average. Of the five largest soybean producing states, Nebraska had the most soybeans setting pods at 95%, Minnesota had the least at 92%.