Scattered rain showers and persistent cool temperatures continued to slow planting progress for farmers, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Much of the cool temperatures came early in the week, eventually giving way to more favorable temperatures by the weekend.
The rainy weather kept the fields saturated, bringing spring plantings to a standstill in some areas. Hail damage was reported in Central and Southern parts of the State but the extent is unknown. Statewide average temperatures were 2.5 degrees below normal at 55.0 degrees. Some pockets of frost were reported. Statewide precipitation was 0.68 inches, below normal by 0.27 inches. There were 1.7 days available for fieldwork for the week ending May 8, down 1.1 days from the previous week.
By region, soybeans planted was 12% complete in the North, 13% in Central, and 6% in the South. Similar to the corn progress, planting progress in soybeans is behind both last year and the five year average. Farmers are waiting for more favorable conditions to continue planting soybeans.
Many hay and alfalfa fields are ready to be cut, but farmers are waiting for drier conditions. Some farmers are concerned about the maturity of the hay when they are able to cut the fields. Pastures and livestock continue to be in excellent condition. Commercial tomatoes were transplanted this week.
Nationally corn planting moved higher totally 64%. In the Midwest Illinois has 78% of their corn planted just behind Iowa with 80%. According to NASS 27% of the corn nationaly has emerged.
Soybean planting is 23% complete nationally with Iowa leading the Midwest at 29%. Minnesota has a whopping 40% of their soybeans in.
