Indiana farmers face challenges due to heavy rainfall

By Andi Anderson

In Indiana, farmers have experienced significant setbacks due to above-average rainfall over the past two weeks. According to Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician from the USDA NASS Indiana Field Office, the excessive moisture has made it difficult to conduct fieldwork. Topsoil moisture has shown an increase, with 97% rated as adequate or surplus.

The average state temperature last week was 56.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 7.1 degrees higher than usual. The precipitation level reached 2.23 inches, exceeding the normal by 1.24 inches. These conditions allowed only 1.4 days suitable for fieldwork.

Corn planting has been notably affected, with only 1% completed, lagging behind the five-year average. Conversely, winter wheat has shown better progress, slightly ahead of the average, with 74% rated as good to excellent. The wet and warm conditions have also been beneficial for pastures, which are quickly greening and growing.

The muddy conditions have complicated livestock management, particularly calving. Farmers are also busy transferring livestock to summer grazing fields. Amid these challenges, fruit trees across Indiana have started to bloom.

The week also saw farmers applying fertilizers and herbicides and preparing their equipment for planting, aiming to make the most of the brief windows of suitable weather.

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