Harvest conditions varied across the state, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Throughout the state farmers experienced less than desirable weather conditions. Much of the northern part of the state was cool and wet while many southern portions were warm and dry. There were 5.3 days available for fieldwork for the week ending October 30, up 0.9 days from the previous week.
Pasture conditions vary by region. Livestock were reported on average to be in good condition. Other activities for the week included planting cover crops, fall tillage, fertilizer and herbicide application, drying and hauling grain to elevators, and FSA and RMA forage certification.
Corn harvested for grain was 72% complete in the North, 76% in Central, and 88% in the South. Many farmers continued to focus on corn harvest due to unfavorable soybean field conditions. Reports of expected corn yields vary. There have been quality issues with corn. The presence of mold continues to be a problem observed in corn.
Soybeans were 84% harvested in the North, 85% in Central, and 78% in the South. Soybean harvest has slowed as a result of heavy dews and intermittent showers. Some growers have yielded to putting beans through the dryer. Green stems also continues to be a hindrance.