Farmers were universal in their call for rain to help maintain crop yield potential, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with only 28 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 72.6 degrees Fahrenheit, 0.7 degrees below normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from 0.00 to 0.65 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.28 inches, 0.83 inches below normal. There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.
Corn and soybean fields continued to show signs of stress due to lack of precipitation. Crop condition ratings for both corn and soybeans decreased from the previous week. Now only 48 percent of corn and 50 percent of soybeans were rated in good to excellent condition. Warm weather and dry conditions spurred wheat and hay harvest progress. Pastures were reportedly drying out in much of the State with 46 percent of pasture rated in good to excellent condition.
Other activities for the week included maintaining irrigation systems, hay harvesting, and herbicide spraying.
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Harvesting, Weather