A mostly dry week aided dry down and pushed corn and soybeans closer to maturity, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels remained relatively stable from the previous week, with 68 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 67.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 1.3 degrees above normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from none to 2.61 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.55 inches, 0.20 inches below normal. There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.
Ideal weather conditions aided dry down in corn and soybean fields, though the maturation of both crops still lagged their respective five-year averages and minimal harvest has been reported at this point. Silage and seed corn harvests progressed last week amid the dry conditions, and winter wheat seedings began in some areas.
Hay harvest progressed as well, as the hay making season nears its end.
Livestock were reported in good condition, benefitting from renewed pasture growth from the previous week's rains.
Other activities for the week included tomato harvest, manure applications, and preparing equipment for harvest.
Categories: Indiana, Crops