Indiana Harvest Progresses Despite Rain

Frequent rain showers slowed harvest progress and kept grain moisture high, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The beginning of the week was mild allowing farmers to get out to the fields, but near continual rain showers towards the end of the week halted most fieldwork. There were 3.9 days available for fieldwork for the week ending October 2, down 2.3 days from the previous week.

Some farmers attempted to cut and bale hay this week, despite the suboptimal conditions. Pastures continued to be lush from the added moisture, keeping grazing livestock in good condition. Some farmers were concerned that feedlots may become too muddy if the wet weather continues. Few wheat fields were planted last week. When the weather permitted, farmers harvested tomatoes, potatoes and seed corn.

Corn matured was 87% complete in the North, 86% in Central and 87% in the South. Corn harvested for grain was 16% complete in the North, 21% in Central, and 47% in the South. Diplodia ear rot, stalk rot and various mold pressures remain high in corn fields given the wet conditions and cooler temperatures. Much of the harvested grain has to be dried due to high moisture. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 73% in the North, 76% in Central, and 60% in the South.

Soybeans dropping leaves were 88% complete in the North, 86% in Central, and 65% in the South. Soybeans were 14% harvested in the North, 19% in Central, and 9% in the South. Soybean harvest continues to fall behind last year and the five year average, with no help from the rain. Some growers reported that the plant defoliation process has slowed down from the rainy weather, contributing to the slow harvest pace for beans. Soybeans rated in good to excellent condition was 79% in the North, 80% in Central, and 66% in the South.

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