Corn harvest has begun with widely varying yields being reported, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Most of the corn harvest that has taken place thus far has been across the west central and southern districts. Harvest of seed corn, tobacco, potatoes and processing tomatoes is also underway. Several soybean fields around the state are turning yellow and beginning to shed leaves. There were a few reports of Bean Leaf Beetles and Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in soybeans during the week.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
There were 6.3 days suitable for field work during the week. Ninety-six percent of the corn acreage is in dough compared with 81 percent last year and 83 percent for the 5-year average. Seventy-three percent of the corn is in the dent stage compared to 36 percent last year and 42 percent for the 5-year average. Seventeen percent of the corn acreage is mature compared to 2 percent last year and 5 percent for the 5-year average. Two percent of the corn acreage has been harvested compared to 0 percent for both last year and the 5-year average. Corn condition is rated 10 percent good to excellent compared with 37 percent last year at this time.
Ninety-seven percent of the soybean acreage is setting pods compared with 84 percent last year and 88 percent for the 5-year average. Eleven percent of the soybeans are shedding leaves compared to 1 percent last year and 4 percent for the 5-year average.
Soybean condition continued to improve and is now rated 23 percent good to excellent compared with 45 percent last year at this time.
LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT
Livestock are in mostly good condition and are benefitting from improving pastures and cooler temperatures. Pasture condition is rated 7 percent good to excellent compared with 17 percent last year at this time. Third cutting of alfalfa hay is 86 percent complete compared with 75 percent last year and 71 percent for the 5-year average.
Source: Indiana NASS