In the latest Crop Progress report from USDA, Indiana corn is rated 73% Good to Excellent, the same as last week. Indiana soybeans dropped a percentage point from 70% Good to Excellent last week to 69% this week. Nationally, corn is rated 65% Good to Excellent and soybeans are at 60%.
Wet weather conditions hindered field activity and caused some damage to crops in low lying areas, according to Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 96 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 74.8 degrees Fahrenheit, 0.3 degrees below normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from 0.01 to 4.81 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 2.37 inches. There were 2.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 18.
Wheat harvest fell slightly behind due to regular rain showers during the week. Some wheat that remained in fields lodged where winds were strong, and farmers were concerned about sprout.
Quality of straw laying in fields awaiting the bailer degraded due to excess moisture.
Corn progressed well last week as both dough and silking progress remained ahead of their respective five-year averages. Despite some reports of denitrification in wet fields, corn condition remained unchanged from the previous week.
Wet field conditions caused asphyxia and yellowing in some low-lying soybean fields and slowed double crop planting progress in most areas.
Second cuttings of alfalfa and other hay were taken when possible. Many fields have some instances of standing water.
Livestock enjoyed rapid pasture growth with 67 percent of pasture rated in good to excellent condition.
Activities for the week included roadside mowing, hay and straw hauling, aerial fungicide application, and field scouting.
Source: USDA NASS Indiana Field Office