Many growers were hoping for additional rain as crops inched closer to maturity, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 57 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 71.5 degreesbFahrenheit, 1.1 degrees below normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from none to 0.75 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.09 inches, 0.71 inches below normal. There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.
Sparse and sporadic rainfall led to the utilization of irrigation systems throughout much of the State. Many farmers hope for additional precipitation to bolster soybean pod setting progress. Soybean condition decreased slightly from the previous week with 54 percent of soybeans rated in good to excellent condition.
Corn dented progress continued behind its five-year average and some producers have begun harvesting corn for silage. Corn condition decreased slightly from the previous week with 54 percent of corn rated in good to excellent condition.
Third and fourth cuttings of hay were taken where regrowth was considered adequate.
Livestock enjoyed mild temperatures and decent pasture conditions. Pasture conditions remained unchanged from the previous week with 46 percent of pasture rated in good to excellent condition. Other activities for the week included irrigation system maintenance, tomato and onion harvesting, herbicide spraying, and fungicide spraying.
Categories: Indiana, Harvesting, Livestock, Weather