Heavy rains brought relief to stressed corn and soybean fields last week, according to Greg Matli, State Statistician, USDA, NASS, Indiana Field Office. Last week’s rain brought topsoil and subsoil moisture levels to 73 percent and 69 percent adequate to surplus, respectively, the highest levels since early July. The average temperature for the week was 75.9 degrees, 3.2 degrees above normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from a trace to 2.63 inches during the week. The statewide average for precipitation was 1.16 inches. There were 5.1 days available for fieldwork for the week ending August 12.
The improved soil moisture last week aided soybean progress and grain fill in corn. The percentage of corn and soybeans rated in good to excellent condition remained stable at a level higher than the previous year and five-year average. Drier days in the latter half of the week gave farmers a chance to cut hay. Livestock are reported to be in good condition, benefitting from pasture regrowth. Mint harvest began wrapping up, while tomato harvest got underway. Other activities for the week included hauling grain, mowing roadsides, spraying fields, and attending fairs.