Warm, Dry Weather Allows Fieldwork

Warmer and drier weather across the state allowed for slight progress in corn and soybean planting, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide temperatures still remained below average, leaving soil temperature a concern and limiting fieldwork for some farmers. The average temperature for the week was 51.4 degrees, 3.8 degrees below normal for the state. The amounts of rainfall varied from 0.00 inches to 1.09 inches over the week. There were 4.3 days available for fieldwork for the week ending April 29.

Fields continued to dry slowly during the warm days, but colder nights and isolated rain events kept soil moisture adequate to surplus in most areas. Some growers were able to plant corn and soybeans throughout the week, and others were limited to field preparation activities. Winter wheat growth continued to progress, albeit slowly due to the cool soil temperatures. The warmer temperatures spurred pasture greening, though growth still lagged amid reports of dwindling hay stocks. Livestock are reported to be in good condition. Other activities included fertilizer applications, tillage, spraying and burndown, tile installation, and hauling grain to elevators.

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