Indiana Wheat Harvest and Corn Pollination Progresses Under Sunny Skies

In contrast to recent weeks, cool and dry weather gave farmers ample opportunity to conduct fieldwork according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. For the week ending July 20, 2014, average temperatures ranged from 64 to 71 degrees, or 11 to 5 degrees below normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 45 degrees; the highest, 93 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 68.2 degrees, 7.3 degrees below normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.04 to 3.96 inches, with a statewide average of 1.05 inches.

Corn silking by region is 69% in North, 67% in Central, and 75% in South. Winter wheat harvested by region is 83% in North, 96% in Central, and 97% in South. Soybeans setting pods by region is 40% in North, 27% in Central, 29% in South.

Farmers stayed busy this week harvesting wheat, making hay, and spraying crops for weeds and pests. Weeds are abundant in some soybean fields that have yet to be sprayed. Dry weather also prompted farmers to bring out their irrigation systems. The winter wheat harvest is rolling to a close and tractors planting double-crop soybeans continue to roll in after them. Third cutting of hay began in select fields. Cool temperatures kept soils from drying as much as they might have otherwise this week – soil moisture at all layers was still reported at 80% adequate or above. Other activities for the week included roadside mowing, equipment maintenance, and attending fairs.

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