Rain showers continued to be spotty throughout the State, with the North receiving minimal rains while the South experienced heavy downpours and high winds, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Despite the increased rainfall, portions of the State remained abnormally dry. Farmers in drier regions continued to use irrigation systems to maintain adequate moisture. Statewide precipitation was above average at 1.57 inches. Cooler temperatures helped to retain moisture received from the rains. The statewide average temperature was 73.9 degrees, 1.1 degrees below normal. There were 4.6 days available for fieldwork for the week ending July 10, down 0.7 days from the previous week.
Corn silking was 18% complete in the North, 25% in Central, and 33% in South. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 75% in the North, 80% in Central, and 61% in South. Early planted corn was reported to be in excellent condition, while later planted corn continued to show signs of stress. Some corn stands have been knocked down by strong winds. It is unknown if there is any permanent damage at this time. Final applications of fungicide and nitrogen have been applied.
Hay and alfalfa growth has picked up some from the increased precipitation. Pastures in some areas have been slow to regrow. Livestock were reported in excellent condition with the cooler temperatures. Commercial zucchini harvest has begun. Blueberries were ripening quickly throughout the state. Other activities included certifying crops with FSA, hauling grain, and mowing roadsides.
Winter wheat is 65% harvested in the North, 82% in Central, and 98% in South. Wheat harvest continued to progress quickly despite the rainy days. The crop was reported to look good coming out of the fields. Straw baling is well underway.
By region, soybeans blooming was 42% in the North, 42% in Central, and 27% in South. Soybeans rated in good to excellent condition was 71% in the North, 81% in Central, and 60% in the South. Weed pressure was high in soybean fields, particularly giant ragweed, marestail, and Canadian thistle. Rain showers have made spraying challenging for some growers. Some soybean fields in the North were reported to look somewhat wilted from high humidity and hot temperatures.