Wet and cold weather conditions slowed harvest progress, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Temperatures dropped significantly from the previous week. There were reports of frost on Thursday, and periods of light snow were mixed with rain showers late in the week. The statewide average temperature was 44.9 degrees, 6.3 degrees below normal. Statewide precipitation was 1.48 inches, above average by 0.95 inches. There were 3.7 days available for fieldwork for the week ending October 29, down 2.4 days from the previous week.
Regionally, corn was 52% harvested for grain in the North, 56% in Central, and 77% in the South. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 59% in the North, 54% in Central, and 68% in the South. Soybeans were 81% harvested in the North, 84% in Central, and 70% in the South. Winter wheat was 85% planted in the North, 78% in Central, and 79% in the South. Winter wheat was 58% emerged in the North, 58% in Central, and 48% in the South. Winter wheat rated in good to excellent condition were 75% in the North, 74% in Central, and 65% in the South.
As a result of dry conditions before the rain, harvest was not delayed for long. Soybean harvest is winding down with some reports of completion. Farmers have shifted their focus to corn with the majority of soybeans already harvested. Despite lower than normal temperatures, recent rainfall has helped promote growth of winter wheat, and cover crops. Pastures have also benefited from the rain but there have been reports of dormancy due to unseasonably cool weather. Livestock are reported in good condition. Other activities for the week included drying and hauling grain to elevators, application of lime and manure, and fall tillage.
Source: NASS