Dry weather continued this past week with only spotty showers affording select regions some relief for the week ending August 10, 2014, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Average temperatures for the week ending August 10 ranged from 69 to 78 degrees, and was 5 degrees below to 1 degree above normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 52 degrees; the highest, 90 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 71.7 degrees, 1.3 degrees below normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0 to 1.94 inches, with a statewide average of 0.49 inches.
By region, corn doughing was 62% in South, 57% in Central, and 53% in North. By region, soybeans setting pods was 87% in North, 77% in South, and 76% in Central. With the dry weather this week, irrigation was running where available. Some farmers have observed leaf curl in soybeans and evidence of nitrogen depletion in corn from previous rain events is now becoming apparent in some cornfields. With corn doughing and soybeans setting pods, most farmers are hoping for more consistent rains going into the next couple weeks. Dry conditions have been excellent for cutting hay and for spraying. Other activities for the week included preparing for the state fair, preparing for harvest season, and roadside mowing.
Indiana corn in good to excellent condition was 72% while soybeans were 67% in good to excellent condition Nationally the USDA corn conditions were estimated 73% in “Good” or “Excellent” condition, unchanged from last week, but a 9% increase from last year. 20% was considered “Fair”, unchanged from last week, while only 7% was considered “Poor” or “Very Poor.” Of the Corn Belt states, Illinois had the most corn rated “Excellent” at 30%, followed by Iowa and Indiana with 25% and 21% respectively. Corn silking was reported at 96%, a 6% increase from last week and 1% ahead of the five-year average. Corn doughing was reported at 54%, an 18% increase from last week and 8% ahead of the five-year average. Corn dented was reported by the USDA for the first time this week. 11% of the corn crop was reported dented, 6% ahead of this time last year, but 5% behind the five-year average. Northern corn producing states have yet to report any denting due to the delay seen during planting this year.
Soybean conditions were reported with 70% of the crop in “Good” or “Excellent” condition, down 1% from last week, but a 6% increase from last year. 23% was reported in “Fair” condition, unchanged from the previous week, while only 7% was reported as “Poor” or “Very Poor.” Of the five largest soybean producing states, Illinois and Iowa had the most crop rated “Excellent,” both with 22%. Soybeans blooming were reported at 92% this week, up 7% from last week, and 1% ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods were reported at 72%, a 15% increase from last week and 7% ahead of the five-year average. Of the five largest soybean producing states Indiana and Nebraska had the most soybeans setting pods, both at 80%.