Significant rains alleviated dry conditions in select fields across the state for the week ending August 17, 2014, but were overall too intermittent to provide relief to the whole state according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Average temperatures for the week ending August 17 ranged from 64 to 75 degrees, and from 8 degrees to 2 degrees below normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 41 degrees; the highest, 88 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 67.8 degrees, 5.0 degrees below normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.07 to 3.31 inches, with a statewide average of 1.09 inches.
By region, corn doughing was 76% in South, 72% in North, and 70% in Central. By region, soybeans setting pods was 94% in North, 88% in Central, and 87% in South.
Corn in most areas is tolerating the dry weather well, although the same weather poses a developmental risk to soybeans currently setting pods. Irrigation is running at full capacity. Additionally, some southern districts have reported cases of Sudden Death Syndrome in soybean fields. The dry weather was excellent to finish hay’s second cutting, but is now slowing hay growth for third cutting. Farm activity for the week included hauling grain, cleaning bins, and roadside mowing.
Indiana corn was rated at 73% good to excellent with soybeans rated as 67% good to excellent.