Farmers Welcome Cooler Weather
Published: Friday, July 26, 2024
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending July 21.
Cooler weather and continued rainfall alleviated dry conditions in many parts of the state.
Topsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 82% rated adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 72.6 degrees F, 3.1 degrees below normal.
The statewide average precipitation was 1.02 inches, .04 inches above normal.
There were 5 days suitable for fieldwork.
Sporadic rainstorms maintained soil moisture levels and strengthened crop conditions. However, high winds caused some corn to lean, and excess soil moisture in low-lying areas caused some yellowing in corn and soybeans.
Both corn silking and soybean blooming progress continued ahead of schedule. Farmers were wrapping up winter wheat harvest.
Pasture conditions remained stable, while second cutting hay yields were reported to be lower.
Other activities included vegetable harvest, fungicide applications, roadside mowing and county fair activities.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 3%; short, 15%; adequate, 69%; surplus, 13%.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 5%; short, 19%; adequate, 68%; surplus, 8%.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2023 and five-year average) showed: corn silking, 66, 42, 57, 55; corn dough, 13, 3, 9, 7; soybeans blooming, 67, 51, 54, 52; soybeans setting pods, 35, 21, 17, 18; winter wheat harvested, 97, 94, 94, 94; alfalfa hay, second cutting, 75, 61, 76, 74; alfalfa hay, third cutting, 3, NA, 3, 4; other hay, second cutting, 49, 36, 59, 55; other hay, third cutting, 2, NA, 1, 1.
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