Warm temperatures and little precipitation, early in the week, allowed farmers to catch up on many activities that had been put on hold due to the previous week’s storms, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Irrigation systems were running on some of the northern counties’ sandier soils. Drowned out spots were being replanted as soils dried out enough to support equipment. Many operations finally had an opportunity to cut and bale hay without the interference of rain. The winter wheat crop is maturing very rapidly across the state and harvest has begun in southern counties.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 5.1 days suitable for field work during the week. Corn condition improved slightly and is rated 76 percent good to excellent compared with 27 percent last year at this time and ahead of the national rating of 65 percent.
Ninety-six percent of the intended soybean acreage has been planted compared with 100 percent last year and 94 percent for the 5-year average. National progress is up to 92 percent. Soybean planting is nearing completion in northern and central areas of the state with the biggest lag being in southwestern counties. Ninety percent of the soybean acreage has emerged compared with 99 percent last year and 86 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition is rated 72 percent good to excellent compared with 24 percent last year at this time and 65 percent nationally.
Seven percent of the winter wheat acreage has been harvested compared with 68 percent last year and 25 percent for the 5-year average. Winter wheat condition is rated 75 percent good to excellent compared with 57 percent last year at this time.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock were in mostly good condition with only minor stress reported due to the warm temperatures. Pasture condition declined slightly and is rated 74 percent good to excellent compared with 11 percent last year at this time. First cutting of alfalfa hay is 90 percent complete compared with 100 percent last year and 90 percent for the 5-year average.
Sourc: NASS