Hot, dry conditions persisted most of the week until scattered rain showers arrived over the weekend, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Enough rain fell in some areas to temporarily relieve drought stress to crops while other areas received none at all. Most farmers have completed nitrogen applications to their corn acreage at this time. Spider mites are beginning to appear in drought stressed soybean fields. The dry weather has reduced yields in second hay cuttings and pasture condition is rapidly declining. Some livestock operations are feeding hay to help supplement the lack of adequate pasture. Some operations were planting double crop soybeans after their wheat was harvested while others are waiting for rain before they begin.
Two percent of the corn acreage has silked, compared with 0 percent for both last year and the 5- year average. Corn condition fell again and is now rated 37 percent good to excellent compared with 55 percent last year at this time. Ninety-seven percent of the intended soybean acreage has emerged compared with 69 percent last year and 78 percent for the 5-year average. Four percent of the soybean acreage is blooming compared with 0 percent for both last year and the 5-year average. Soybean condition also fell further and is now rated 32 percent good to excellent compared with 56 percent last year at this time. Forty-five percent of the winter wheat acreage has been harvested compared with 3 percent last year and 7 percent for the 5-year average. Winter Wheat condition is rated 56 percent good to excellent compared with 58 percent last year at this time.
Source: USDA