Several areas of the state experienced record setting heat during the week with temperatures reaching as high as 107 degrees in some southern counties, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Scattered thunderstorms moved across the state over the weekend producing damaging wind and hail in some areas. This past June was the third driest in Indiana, according to records dating back to 1930, falling only behind 1988 and 1933. Only 1.29 inches of rain fell across the state during June which was just 31 percent of normal precipitation for the month. The extreme heat and drought conditions caused additional stress to crops and livestock. Livestock operations reported some death loss due to the heat, especially in poultry.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 6.6 days suitable for field work during the week. Thirty percent of the corn acreage has silked compared with 0 percent last year and 7 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition fell again and is now rated 19 percent good to excellent compared with 58 percent last year at this time. This is the worst condition rating for corn at this time of year since 1988 when none of the crop was rated good to excellent.
Twenty-eight percent of the soybean acreage is blooming compared with 2 percent last year and 7 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition also fell further and is now rated 20 percent good to excellent compared with 57 percent last year at this time.
Ninety-one percent of the winter wheat acreage has been harvested compared with 32 percent last year and 42 percent for the 5-year average. Yields have been better than expected in many fields this year.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock were under stress most of the week. Pasture condition continued to decline and is now rated 6 percent good to excellent compared with 68 percent last year at this time.
Source: Indiana NASS