Indiana farmers face dry weather

By Andi Anderson

Dry weather persisted across Indiana last week as farmers prepared for the upcoming harvest season. Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician for USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office, reported that topsoil moisture levels declined, with only 37 percent of the soil rated adequate or surplus.

The week saw an average temperature of 65.0 degrees Fahrenheit, which was 4.9 degrees below the state's normal temperature for this time of year. Precipitation remained low, with a statewide average of 0.10 inches, which is 0.53 inches below normal.

Despite the dry conditions, there were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 8. Streams and ponds saw water levels drop, but the overall condition of Indiana’s corn and soybean crops remained steady.

However, there is growing concern among farmers about the potential impact of the continued lack of rainfall on late-planted crops, which may face stress if the dry weather persists.

Both corn and soybeans are progressing ahead of their respective five-year average growth rates, with silage harvesting already in progress and seed corn harvest beginning. Pasture growth, on the other hand, has stalled due to the dry conditions, and many livestock owners have supplemented their animals’ diets with additional hay feedings.

Along with preparing for the harvest, farmers were busy with other tasks such as manure application, roadside mowing, hauling grain to markets, and ensuring that their harvest equipment is ready for the upcoming season.

While dry conditions have raised some concerns, the overall stability of crop progress so far gives farmers hope for a productive harvest, provided that some rain arrives soon to support the late-planted crops.

Photo Credit: istock-pixeldigits