Late Season Rains Continue to Cause Problems for Indiana Crops

Moderate to heavy rains across the State left some fields under water delaying corn harvest and slowing maturity of the beans, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Above average temperatures along with the added precipitation has created a perfect environment for mold and fungus growth. The statewide average temperature was above normal at 74.7 degrees. Most of the State received some precipitation ranging from a few drops to a deluge of rainfall. Southeastern Indiana received the brunt of the weather leading to flooding and washed out roadways. Statewide precipitation averaged 1.69 inches, above average by 0.65 inches. There were 4.5 days available for fieldwork for the week ending September 11, down 0.9 days from the previous week.

Some pastures had become over-saturated with moisture, while others are looking lush from the rainfall. During breaks in the weather, farmers were able to make good progress on alfalfa and other hay cuttings. Livestock were reported to be stressed from the high temperatures and muddy conditions. Some fields continue to have high weed pressures from missed herbicide opportunities earlier in the season. Winter wheat plantings have begun. Tomato, mint, seed corn, and pumpkin harvest continued when the weather permitted. Other activities for the week included seeding cover crops, attending fairs, cleaning storage areas, preparing harvest equipment, and mowing roadsides.

Corn matured was 27% complete in the North, 39% in Central and 45% in the South. Corn harvested for grain was 2% complete in the North, 2% in Central, and 7% in the South. Corn harvested for silage was 52% complete in the North, 37% in Central, and 58% in the South. Harvest for grain has just begun throughout the State, with farmers reporting variable moisture content at this time and voicing some concerns about proper dry down. Some growers have seen an increase in rust, mold, and diplodia ear rot in the crop as a result of the wet and humid conditions. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 72% in the North, 78% in Central, and 64% in the South.

Soybeans dropping leaves were 27% complete in the North, 30% in Central, and 14% in the South. Continued rainfall has slowed down the maturity of beans, and putting the progress somewhat behind last year and the five year average. Some soybean fields have ponded from the storms, but any damages to the plants are unclear at this time. Soybeans rated in good to excellent condition was 76% in the North, 80% in Central, and 66% in the South.

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