Sustained Rain Delays Planting
Published: Friday, April 19, 2024
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending April 14.
Above average precipitation for two consecutive weeks hindered fieldwork for many Indiana farmers.
Topsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 97% rated adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 56.1 degrees F, 7.1 degrees above normal.
The statewide average precipitation was 2.23 inches, 1.24 inches above normal.
There were 1.4 days suitable for fieldwork.
Another week of abnormally high precipitation saturated fields and prevented planting. Corn planted, at 1%, was behind the five-year average.
Winter wheat jointing progressed slightly ahead of the five-year average. The crop was rated 74% good to excellent.
Pastures were greening up and growing rapidly in the warm, wet weather conditions.
Livestock have begun to be transferred to summer grazing and rotation; meanwhile, mud made calving difficult.
Fruit trees were in bloom.
Other activities for the week included applying fertilizers and herbicides and preparing equipment for planting.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 0%; short, 3%; adequate, 48%; surplus, 49%.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 2%; short, 8%; adequate, 60%; surplus, 30%.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2023 and five-year average) showed: corn planted, 1, 0, 2, 2; soybeans planted, 0, NA, 1, 1; winter wheat jointing, 25, 11, 32, 24.
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