Warm weather encouraged a surge in planting progress for many Hoosier farmers, as 56 percent of Indiana’s corn and 52 percent of soybeans have been planted across the state according to the USDA’s weekly crop progress report. That’s a significant jump from last week’s report, which showed that 36 percent of Indiana’s corn and 33 percent of soybeans had been planted.
Planting progress for both corn and soybeans are well ahead of their respective five-year averages. The USDA is reporting that 22 percent of the state’s corn crop and 18 percent of Indiana’s soybeans have already emerged.
Throughout the U.S., 65 percent of the nation’s corn and 49 percent of U.S. soybeans have been planted. Of the crops in the ground, 30 percent of U.S. corn and 20 percent of the nation’s soybeans have emerged according to the USDA.
“Soil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 85 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus,” says Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office.
“The average temperature for the week was 66.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 6.0 degrees above normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from none to 2.72 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.88 inches, 0.04 inches below normal. There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 14,” according to Warenski.
Winter wheat is also ahead of its five-year average with 78 percent of the crop rated in good to excellent condition, which is the same percentage as last week’s rating.
Source: USDA