Dry, warm weather provided ideal conditions for fieldwork last week, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 89 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 71.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 4.3 degrees above normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from none to 1.48 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.32 inches, 0.73 inches below normal. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.
Corn and soybean plantings moved closer to completion as farmers took advantage of the dry weather, with both crops progressing ahead of their five-year averages. The warm temperatures and adequate soil moisture benefitted winter wheat growth, and winter wheat crop conditions improved slightly. Hay harvest progressed rapidly thanks to the favorable weather.
Livestock were reported in good condition, and pasture conditions improved slightly from the previous week. Other activities for the week included fertilizer and herbicide applications and certifying acres with FSA.
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Wheat, Harvesting, Weather