Warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall yielded the first opportunities to plant corn during the week ending April 19, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Farmers had a short break from heavy rains, allowing field work to commence and spring planting to begin. The increased temperatures have begun to firm up fields allowing equipment to apply nutrient supplements for the planting season. NASS reports 1% of Indiana’s intended acres has been planted, the same level as a year ago but trailing the 5-year average of 13%.
Nationally corn planting progress jumped to 9%, ahead of last year’s 6% but trailing the 5-year national average of 13%
Regionally, winter wheat jointed was 4% complete in the North, 8% in Central, and 29% in the South. Winter wheat continues to green up and be topdressed, although there has not been much new growth in the fields. Some farmers have begun to till up wheat fields due to the lack of nutrients, stagnant conditions and slow growth.
The warm temperatures have firmed up fields enough to get some planters out to begin planting this season’s corn crop. Potato planting has also begun. Pastures and hay fields are becoming green and growing well in most regions of the state. Farmers are applying nitrogen, knifing in ammonia, and spreading fertilizer in the fields to gear up to plant as the weather conditions improve. There are some concerns that the wet and cool spring conditions may limit weed control due to fewer burn downs. Other activities for the week included picking up seed, fixing tile, tilling fields, and hauling grain.
Source: Indiana NASS