The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending April 12.
Scattered, yet persistent rainfall impeded fieldwork and delayed spring planting.
Increased rainfall throughout the state pushed back prospects of corn and soybean planting until the rain subsides and fields dry out.
Above average temperatures have helped green up winter wheat, pastures, and other cover crops.
For the week, 1.2 days were suitable for fieldwork.
Many fields have ponded from increased rainfall making fieldwork difficult. Limited topdressing for winter wheat was completed due to the frequent storms and wet fields.
Farmers continued to apply ammonia and fertilizer to corn fields during breaks in the weather. While winter wheat conditions have improved slightly, the continued rainfall has raised concerns of drowning in the fields.
Hay supplies have diminished, but many are beginning to release livestock to graze on the greening pastures.
Calving season is wrapping up for many farmers.
Other activities for the week included tilling, ditch bank clearing, fixing tiles, cleaning fence rows, and hauling grain to elevators.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 0 percent; short, 2 percent; adequate, 49 percent; surplus, 49 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 0 percent; short, 3 percent; adequate, 61 percent; surplus, 36 percent.
Average soil temperatures (4-inch depth) were 56 at Wanatah and 55 at West Lafayette.