Indiana harvest stalls due to Helene

By Andi Anderson

Dry weather earlier in the week was interrupted by heavy rain and wind as Hurricane Helene passed through Indiana, significantly slowing down harvest activities.

According to Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician at the USDA NASS Indiana Field Office, topsoil moisture levels improved after the storm, with 56 percent of the topsoil now rated as adequate or surplus.

The average temperature for the week was 67.3°F, which is 6.6°F above the normal temperature for this time of year. Rainfall averaged 2.62 inches across the state, well above the usual precipitation levels by 1.85 inches.

However, the amount of time suitable for fieldwork was limited to 3.8 days in the week ending September 29 due to the adverse weather conditions.

The heavy rains brought by Hurricane Helene helped replenish the topsoil moisture, which had been dwindling in the previous weeks. However, some farmers reported minor lodging and wind damage in their fields.

Despite these setbacks, both soybean and corn grain harvests were ahead of the typical five-year averages. On the other hand, corn for silage harvest was slightly behind schedule compared to the historical five-year pace.

The increased moisture levels provided much-needed assistance in germinating winter wheat and cover crops, ensuring that planting efforts will move forward smoothly in the coming weeks.

Fall calving also began for some Indiana producers, while pasture conditions saw slight improvement, with 29 percent now rated in good to excellent condition.

In addition to working through the effects of the storm, farmers were busy repairing harvest equipment and hauling harvested grain to market. While the rain presented challenges, the moisture also brought positive effects, such as better soil conditions for future planting efforts.

Indiana farmers continue to balance both the advantages and obstacles brought by the late-season weather, hoping for improved field conditions in the coming weeks to complete their harvest activities.

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