A dry start to the week gave farmers the window needed to make significant planting progress last week, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels increased slightly from the previous week, with 97 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 63.0 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of rainfall varied from 0.07 inches to 3.69 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 1.45 inches. There were 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.
The favorable conditions early in the week allowed farmers to make rapid planting progress, with both corn and soybean plantings surpassing their five-year averages, before late week rains slowed field activity.
Winter wheat jointing caught up with the five-year average, and crop conditions remained stable from the previous week.
Hay harvest progressed slowly due to the wet weather. Livestock were reported to be enjoying pasture growth, as pasture conditions remained stable from the previous week.
Other activities for the week included spraying herbicides and mowing roadsides.
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Livestock, Weather