Some portions of Indiana received very limited rainfall early in the week, but conditions grew warmer and drier throughout the week, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall totals were minimal in central, east central and southern parts of Indiana, and virtually nonexistent elsewhere. Observers were seeing widespread corn rolling and damage to emerging soybeans by week’s end. Some growers have begun spot replanting, and others decided to wait for moisture to fall in recently harvested wheat fields before planting beans. Wheat harvest progressed rapidly with the best yields being reported from locations unaffected by April frosts. Alfalfa growers took advantage of warm and dry conditions to proceed with second cuttings of alfalfa.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 6.6 days suitable for field work during the week. Corn condition fell sharply and is now rated 49 percent good to excellent compared with 54 percent last year at this time.
Ninety-four percent of the intended soybean acreage has emerged compared with 46 percent last year and 64 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition also fell and is now rated 45 percent good to excellent compared with 55 percent last year at this time.
Twenty-four percent of the winter wheat acreage has been harvested compared with 0 percent for both last year and 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 fairing well with moderate temperatures in the first half of the week, but were beginning to show signs of stress at week’s end. Pasture condition declined further and is now rated 40 percent good to excellent compared with 64 percent last year at this time.
Source: Indiana NASS