Ideal harvesting conditions persisted across much of the State thanks to the continuation of unseasonably cool and dry weather, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 40 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit, 3.0 degrees below normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from none to 0.18 inches over the week. The statewide precipitation was 0.03 inches, 0.81 inches below normal. There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.
Consecutive weeks of cool, dry weather have propelled harvest progress forward throughout much of the State. Corn harvested for grain and soybeans harvested each closed the gap with their respective five-year averages with 58 percent of corn and 59 percent of soybeans rated in good to excellent condition. Winter wheat planting progress continued behind its five-year average.
Fourth cuttings of alfalfa hay are beginning to wrap up with hay cuttings being taken when regrowth was considered adequate.
Pasture conditions were negatively impacted by the continued dry spell. Pasture conditions decreased from the previous week with 29 percent of pasture rated in good to excellent condition.
Other activities for the week included planting cover crops and performing maintenance of harvest equipment.
Categories: Indiana, Weather