Dry and favorable harvest conditions lasted the duration of the week, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Soybean harvest progress jumped ahead of the five year average while corn harvest continued to lag. Growers anticipating a shift to wetter weather took late cuttings of hay and forage and planted wheat. The statewide average temperature was 58.3 degrees, 6.3 degrees above normal. Statewide precipitation was 0.11 inches, below average by 0.66 inches. There were 6.1 days available for fieldwork for the week ending October 22, up 2.8 days from the previous week.
Regionally, corn was 95% matured in the North, 95% in Central, and 96% in the South. Corn was 38% harvested for grain in the North, 43% in Central, and 68% in the South. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 58% in the North, 53% in Central, and 67% in the South. Soybeans were 98% dropping leaves in the North, 99% in Central, and 95% in the South. Soybeans were 72% harvested in the North, 73% in Central, and 59% in the South. Winter wheat was 72% planted in the North, 65% in Central, and 65% in the South. Winter wheat rated in good to excellent condition were 74% in the North, 71% in Central, and 67% in the South.
Corn harvest has progressed at a steady pace but slower than soybean harvest due in part to higher grain moisture levels and delayed maturity. Growers noted that yields varied widely and, in some cases, were surprising, Pastures are in good shape. Livestock are reported in good condition. Other activities for the week included drying and hauling grain to elevators, maintenance of equipment, fall tillage, and application of lime, manure and fall fertilizer.
Source: NASS