Cool, dry, windy weather saw a number of farmers hoping for a rainstorm, even as many attended county fairs, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. For the week ending July 27, 2014, average temperatures for the week ranged from 67 to 76 degrees, or 8 to 1 degrees below normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 47 degrees; the highest, 94 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 70.8 degrees, 4.1 degrees below normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.11 to 3.67 inches, with a statewide average of 0.84 inches.
By region, corn doughing is 23% in South, 14% in Central, and 6% in North. By region, soybeans setting pods is 59% in North, 53% in South, and 45% in Central.
Though some farmers reported rolling up of corn and short soybean plants on account of dry conditions, overall Indiana corn condition was 75% good to excellent on par with 76% this time last year. That current condition percentage matches the new new national figure which dropped a percent from lat week. Hoosier soybean condition was at 71% good to excellent versus 74% this time last year. The national soybean good to excellent rating is also now at 71%, a dip of 2 points from a week ago.
Double-cropped soybeans have been mostly planted. Irrigation system ran on drier soils. Some farmers are engaging in late spraying activities, while many others are fixing machinery, hauling grain, and cleaning bins in advance of fall harvest. Farmers were also mowing roadsides as weather permitted.
Source: NASS