There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 11, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Temperatures ranged from 34º to 92º across the state with averages from 56º to 73º. Precipitation ranged from .01 inches to 2.35 inches.
Warm and dry weather for the majority of the state saw a surge in field activity and planting of both corn and soybeans. Many farmers concluded their corn planting this week and started on soybeans. Winter wheat, alfalfa hay and pasture have all progressed vigorously this week, and most livestock have now been turned over to pasture for the season. Some farmers took the opportunity to plow down damaged wheat fields. Still wind conditions on Saturday encouraged spraying of herbicides. Other activities included fertilizer application and repair of fence rows and tile.
Indiana farmers’ progress planting corn jumped over 40 points to 61 percent, leapfrogging the 5 year average of 45 percent. Emerged corn is at 14 percent, trailing the 5 year average of 26 percent. Nationally planting progress jumped from 29 to 59 percent, one percent ahead of the five year average. Eighteen percent of the crop is emerged.
Good progress was made in Indiana soybean fields too and that crop is now 1 percent ahead of the 5 year average. Progress is at 23 percent, a 20-point jump from a week ago. Nationally soybean progress goes from 5 percent last week to 20 percent this week, just behind the five year average of 21 percent.
Source: NASS