Heavy Rains Impact Fieldwork
Published: Friday, April 12, 2024
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending April 7.
High amounts of rainfall throughout the State saturated fields and hindered fieldwork. Topsoil moisture levels showed a marked increase from the previous week, with 93% rated adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 46 degrees F, .8 degrees below normal for the state.
The statewide average precipitation was 2.32 inches, 1.47 inches above normal.
There were 1.5 days suitable for fieldwork.
Plentiful rainfall resulted in a notable increase to the soil moisture levels compared to the previous week. Farmers throughout the state reported standing water in fields, overflowing ditches and creeks above bank.
Winter wheat crop conditions remained stable, with 74% of the crop rated good to excellent, and jointing progress continued ahead of the five-year average pace.
As fruit trees have begun to come out of dormancy, some Indiana growers have expressed concerns about freezing temperatures negatively affecting crop prospects.
Other activities for the week included fertilizer and herbicide applications and planting preparations.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 1%; short, 6%; adequate, 58%; surplus, 35%.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 3%; short, 14%; adequate, 64%; surplus, 19%.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2023 and five-year average) showed: winter wheat jointing, 11, 5, 13, 9.
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