Rain Slows Indiana Harvest

Light rain during the week slowed harvest progress, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Harvest continued early in the week before several days of rain showers appeared midweek to slow progress. The rain helped reduce dry conditions, settle the dust, impede combine fires and alleviate chances for field fires.

The statewide average temperature was 67.9 degrees, 10.7 degrees above normal. Statewide precipitation was 1.37 inches, above average by 0.57 inches. There were 4.7 days available for fieldwork for the week ending October 8, down 2.1 days from the previous week.

Regionally, corn was 80% matured in the North, 83% in Central, and 86% in the South. Corn was 14% harvested for grain in the North, 21% in Central, and 50% in the South. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 56% in the North, 50% in Central, and 66% in the South. Soybeans were 92% dropping leaves in the North, 92% in Central, and 85% in the South. Soybeans were 42% harvested in the North, 46% in Central, and 32% in the South. Soybeans rated in good to excellent condition were 58% in the North, 53% in Central, and 57% in the South. Winter wheat was 34% planted in the North, 31% in Central, and 21% in the South.

Rain showers caused a shift in the focus of harvest from soybeans to corn. Corn harvest is still behind the five year average. Many farmers had made significant progress with soybean harvest prior to the rain, harvesting most of the mature soybeans. Several areas in fields of replanted soybeans have yet to reach maturity. Current prices are encouraging farmers to let the grain dry in the field. Added moisture from the rain should help with emergence in planted wheat. Additional rain is needed to improve pasture conditions. Livestock are reported in good condition in spite of pastures. Tomato harvest is near completion. Pumpkin harvest is still underway. Other activities for the week included fall tillage, planting cover crops, preparing and repairing equipment, and hauling grain.

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