Growers continued to make progress planting corn and soybeans despite rain for much of the week, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Precipitation and warm temperatures promoted crop emergence, which is steady with the five year average for both corn and soybeans.
Temperatures were above average for the week for nearly all regions of the state. Days suitable for fieldwork was 4.7.
Regionally, winter wheat was 65% headed in the North, 78% in Central and 90% in the South. By region, corn was 95% planted in the North, 95% in Central, and 97% in the South. By region, corn was 79% emerged in the North, 80% in Central, and 87% in the South. Soybeans planted was 79% complete in the North, 82% in Central, and 80% in the South. Soybeans emerged was 50% complete in the North, 52% in Central, and 52% in the South.
While producers were able to continue to plant, many hay producers continued to wait for a dry window to cut hay. Corn planting is projected to finish in the next week, and soybeans are going in the ground quickly, though winter wheat harvest has not begun yet, which will hold off double crop soybean planting. Winter wheat progress and condition are both nearly the same as this time last year. Northern Indiana saw heavier rain than the rest of the state, with precipitation being spotty in the central and southern regions. Some areas are seeing ponding that will lead to replanting, while others in the south are seeing crops hurt by dry weather.
Indiana Crop Condition
corn 13% Excellent 63% good
Soybeans 12% Excellent 61% good
National Crop Ratings
Crop Condition Holds Steady as Corn Planting Comes to a Close
With U.S. corn planting 95 percent complete, the crop condition held strong, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 74 percent of acres still rated in good or excellent condition, only two points behind this time last year, 84 percent of the corn crop has already emerged.
“Right now, farmers are relying upon best management practices and the prospect of favorable weather to nurture the crop along,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling. “Despite the implications of a swift and successful planting season, a record-setting crop is not guaranteed by any means. A long summer still lies ahead and, as in many years, the fate of the crop will largely be decided by propitiously timed rains in the middle of the summer.”
Corn emerged exceeded the average with 84 percent of all acres up by May 31. The five-year average at this point is 79 percent. Wisconsin both and South Dakota exceeded the five-year average by the widest margin, at 28 and 25 points respectively.
The report also included the second assessment of the 2015 corn crop quality. With 74 percent of corn acres rated either good or excellent, it stood unchanged since the week prior.
