Rain Continues to Stall Indiana Fieldwork

High temperatures and localized heavy rainfalls delayed harvest progress and spraying activities, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Though the beginning of the week was mostly dry and hot, rain storms moved across the state towards the end of the week, leading to localized flooding and very humid air. The statewide average temperature was 77.8 degrees, 2.2 degrees above normal. Statewide precipitation was 1.77 inches, above average by 0.75 inches. There were 4.3 days available for fieldwork for the week ending July 23 up 0.8 days from the previous week.

Regionally, corn was 65% silked in the North, 64% in Central, and 77% in the South. Corn was 3% doughed in the North, 4% in Central, and 14% in the South. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 55% in the North, 40% in Central, and 48% in the South. Soybeans were 65% blooming in the North, 70% in Central, and 67% in the South. Soybeans were 22% setting pods in the North, 27% in Central, and 38% in the South. Soybeans rated in good to excellent condition were 56% in the North, 41% in Central, and 48% in the South.

Weather patterns varied throughout the State, with the heaviest amounts falling in Northwest and South Central Indiana, which left both corn and soybeans in standing water.

Early planted soybeans appeared to be showing signs of improvement despite the rains, while late planted soybeans appear yellowed and stunted in some areas. Farmers applied fungicide to corn fields, due to the increase in rust from the hot and humid weather. Weed pressures have increased and have been challenging to remove given the above average rainfall.

 

Some pastures have been overrun with various weeds. Many acres of hay and straw were cut, but some were unable to be baled from the storm systems at the tail end of the week.

There were concerns about heat stress on livestock. Mint, cucumber, and potato harvest made decent progress this week. Wheat harvest is wrapping up throughout the State. Other activities included harvesting rye, hauling grain, attending county fairs, and mowing roadsides when the weather allowed.

 

Source: NASS

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