Drought conditions have spread over most of the state with 55 counties currently under burn bans, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Indiana’s driest May through June occurred in 1988, when an average of just 2.26 inches of rain fell statewide, according to records dating back to 1930. By comparison, 3.75 inches fell this year from May 1 through June 24th, well ahead of 1988 but only 48 percent of normal.
Producers are concerned about corn pollination as the crop begins to tassel under very dry conditions. Wheat harvest continued to move northward with better than expected yields in some areas. More and more livestock operations are beginning to feed hay and grain due to deteriorating pasture conditions.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 6.8 days suitable for field work during the week. Nine percent of the corn acreage has silked compared with 0 percent last year and 1 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition fell again and is now rated 27 percent good to excellent compared with 57 percent last year at this time. National corn condition also declined 7 points in the last week to 56 percent good to excellent.
Fifteen percent of the soybean acreage is blooming compared with 0 percent last year and 1 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition also fell further and is now rated 24 percent good to excellent compared with 57 percent last year at this time. The national 53 percent good to excellent rating marked a 3 percent decline from a week ago.
Seventy-two percent of the winter wheat acreage has been harvested compared with 13 percent last year and 21 percent for the 5-year average. Winter Wheat condition is rated 57 percent good to excellent compared with 58 percent last year at this time.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock were under stress most of the week due to the heat and poor grazing conditions. Pasture condition continued to decline and is now rated 11 percent good to excellent compared with 67 percent last year at this time.
Source: Indiana NASS