Indiana Crops Advance Well with Balanced Soil Moisture

By Andi Anderson

For the week ending May 18, 2025, Indiana farmers experienced 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork. This allowed them to continue planting major crops such as corn and soybeans and begin the first cutting of hay.

The weather supported timely planting, with soil moisture levels remaining mostly balanced across the state.

Topsoil moisture was reported as 4 percent very short, 11 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture was rated 5 percent very short, 16 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. These numbers indicate good conditions for ongoing crop development.

Corn planting reached 64 percent completion, a jump from 45 percent last week but still slightly behind the five-year average of 62 percent. Corn emergence was reported at 39 percent, up from 19 percent the previous week and higher than the 31 percent five-year average.

Soybeans showed similar progress, with 59 percent planted, a significant increase from 41 percent last week and ahead of the five-year average of 52 percent. Soybean emergence reached 32 percent, more than double last week’s 14 percent and well above the average of 23 percent.

Winter wheat jointing reached 89 percent, while heading was at 51 percent. Wheat condition remained stable, rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

Range and pasture condition followed a similar trend, rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.

Hay cutting began with 11 percent of alfalfa and 6 percent of other hay completed.

In summary, Indiana's crop progress is strong, supported by favorable weather and soil conditions. Farmers continue to monitor development as the season advances.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski