Planters were running where field conditions allowed last week, though the continued wet and cool weather limited progress, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels decreased slightly from the previous week, with 98 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 54.2 degrees Fahrenheit, 1.4 degrees below normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from 0.17 inches to 3.04 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 1.22 inches, 0.32 inches above normal. There were 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.
A midweek break in the rains allowed some growers to get started with corn and soybean planting, though planting progress for both crops was well behind their respective five-year averages.
Winter wheat progress continued to lag the five-year average, but crop conditions remained stable.
Livestock were reported to be in good condition, and pastures continued greening.
Other activities for the week included tillage and fertilizer and herbicide applications.
Categories: Indiana, Crops