By Andi Anderson
For the week ending April 20, 2025, Indiana farmers encountered limited opportunities for spring fieldwork due to wet soil conditions. Only 3.7 days were suitable for field activity, hindering crop progress across the state.
Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 2 percent very short, 6 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 29 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern with 3 percent very short, 13 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus. The high percentage of surplus moisture slowed the pace of planting.
Corn planting reached just 2 percent completion, slightly above last week's 1.5 percent but far behind the 5-year average of 5 percent. Similarly, soybean planting stood at 3 percent, up from 0 percent last week, but still below the 5 percent average.
Winter wheat jointing showed more progress, with 30 percent of the crop reported at this stage, an improvement from 14 percent last week. However, only 1 percent of winter wheat had headed, consistent with last year but trailing the five-year average of 3 percent.
Winter wheat condition across Indiana remained relatively strong. The crop was rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. This reflects ongoing crop health despite the slow progress in planting other crops.
As April continues, farmers will be monitoring soil conditions closely, hoping for drier weather to accelerate planting. With adequate to surplus moisture levels in most areas, timing will be critical to avoid delays in this year’s growing season.
These early season reports help guide planning and expectations for Indiana's agricultural producers as they navigate weather challenges and focus on healthy crop development.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-orientaly
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Wheat