Corn and Soybean Harvest Continue to Lag 5 year Average

Cool, dry weather in the first part of the week encouraged harvest in most of the state, but rains starting Thursday and lasting into the weekend brought most combines to a halt, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. For the week ending October 5th, average temperatures for the week ranged from 55 to 67 degrees, and from 4 degrees below to 6 degrees above normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 32 degrees; the highest, 89 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 58.9 degrees, 0.5 degrees below normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.14 to 4.04 inches, with a statewide average of 1.26 inches.

By region, corn mature was 84% in the North, 80% in Central, and 85% in South. By region, corn harvested for grain was 12% in North, 14% in Central, and 37% in the South. Overall in Indiana 18% of corn has been harvested, up from 11% last week and behind the 5 year average of 31%. National corn harvest moves 5 points from last week to 17% complete. That is well behind the 5 year average of 32%.

By region, soybeans dropping leaves was 91% in North, 90% in Central and 78% in South. By region, soybeans harvested was 13% in North, 23% in Central, and 17% in the South. The statewide total is 18% harvested, double the 9% of a week ago and behind the 30% 5 year average. National soybean harvest doubled in the last week to 20%, lagging the 5 year average of 35%.

Wheat was being planted in harvested soybean fields. Some soybeans in southern districts were still showing green stems, although pods had dried down nicely. The burst of precipitation helped out pastureland, which in some areas had been getting thin. Other activities for the week included hauling grain, drying grain, and mowing of roadsides.

Source: NASS