The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending June 26.
Storms last week provided much-needed moisture for stressed fields. Precipitation amounts varied widely and dry pockets persisted.
Although last week's storms were a relief for some counties they were also a hazard. The storms were accompanied by strong winds that caused damage to crops in some areas.
Statewide average temperature was 76.6 degrees, 4 degrees above normal.
Statewide precipitation was 1.50 inches, .61 inches above normal. There were 4.8 days available for fieldwork for the week ending June 26, down .5 days from the previous week.
Corn emerged was 99 percent in the north, 97 percent in central, and 92 percent in the south. Corn silking was 1 percent in the north, 9 percent in central, and 4 percent in the south.
Rain provided relief for corn that was experiencing leaf rolling. However, in some areas, strong winds knocked down trees, power lines and grain bins.
The corn crop is still reported as 72 percent in good to excellent condition. Farmers continue to spray and side dress corn.
Soybeans emerged was 98 percent complete in the north, 97 percent in central, and 86 percent in the south.
Farmers continue spraying soybeans. Marestail, dock and other weeds were very evident in soybean fields. Some fields experienced ponding due to localized heavy rains. Soybeans are 74 percent in good to excellent condition.
Wheat mature was 65 percent in the north, 80 percent in central, and 97 percent in the south. Wheat harvest has begun. Some wheat fields are exhibiting lodging. In addition to wind damage, wetter conditions are increasing vomitoxin presence and rust occurrence.
Hay growth has slowed down and first cutting of hay is almost complete. Livestock are in good condition and pastures are greening up due to timely rains.
Other activities this week included preparing for wheat harvest, scouting fields, Farm Management Tour, crop diagnostic training, applying fertilizer, spraying herbicide, hauling grain, certifying crops with FSA, mowing roadsides and cleaning fencerows.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 4 percent; short, 19 percent; adequate, 67 percent; surplus, 10 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 4 percent; short, 19 percent; adequate, 70 percent; surplus, 7 percent.
Average soil temperatures (4-inch depth) were 84 at Wanatah and 80 at West Lafayette.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2015 and 5-year average) showed: corn silking, 5, 3, 1, 3; soybeans emerged, 95, 87, 92, 93; soybeans blooming, 4, 0, 1, 6; winter wheat mature, 82, 61, 62, NA; winter wheat harvested, 34, 14, 14, 29; alfalfa hay, second cutting, 33, 18, 10, 20; other hay, first cutting, 92, 82, 85, NA; other hay, second cutting, 18, 7, 13, NA.