Cool temperatures in conjunction with the increased rainfall have slowed overall progress during the week, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Average temperatures for the week ending September 14 ranged from 57 to 67 degrees, and from 1 degree to 9 degrees below normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 38 degrees; the highest, 85 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 61.5 degrees, 6.9 degrees below normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.35 to 3.70 inches, with a statewide average of 1.58 inches.
By region, corn denting was 78% in North, 77% in Central, and 81% in South. By region corn mature was 24% in North, 32% in Central, and 34% in South. By region, soybeans dropping leaves was 32% in North, 38% in Central, and 23% in South. The corn crop remains in good to excellent condition, but some farmers worry that continued rainfall could delay and complicate harvest.
Soybean progress has slowed, but the overall health condition remained steady. Opportunities for cutting hay were sparse. However, conditions have been excellent for planting cover crops. Corn silage continues to be harvested, while tomato and potato harvest is wrapping up.
Harvest Underway in Dubois County
Corn harvest began in parts of Dubois County this last week as local farmers took advantage of excellent fall harvest weather. Crop surveys completed by Purdue Extension – Dubois County on Saturday, September 13, 2014 found local farmers had begun to harvest county crops due to dry, breezy weather with temperatures in the mid-70’s.
County corn harvest is currently at approximately 3%, with much of this spring’s earlier planted corn being harvested in the Ireland, Portersville and Dubois areas. Reported moistures for local crops ranged from 21% to 28% with slow dry down times and moistures varying greatly from farm to farm and even field to field due to differences in corn varieties and local soil and field conditions. Yields on average have been reported to be at or near record levels in fields harvested. Many additional farmers are expecting to begin harvest this week across the rest of the county as the corn crop continues to mature.
Soybean harvest is far off at this time, with many fields just beginning to drop leaves as plants continue to mature. Fields have shown great responses to an almost perfect growing season this year, but high humidity and early morning fog over the last few weeks have caused outbreaks of several diseases in all parts of the county, with Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) having the most impact to date. Final effects from these diseases will vary by field depending on variety resistance to the disease, crop maturity level and location of plants in the field. Double-crop soybeans currently show little signs of disease pressure.
The seeding of winter wheat has yet to begin, with farmers reminded that the establishment of wheat should be after the wheat “fly-free” date of October 7 to significantly reduce the chance of Hessian fly infestations and crop losses. Farmers taking advantage of winter cover crops such as wheat, rye, barley, and other cereal grains should remember that this fly date applies to these crops as well.