The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending May 17.
Scattered storms throughout the week narrowed planting opportunities for corn and soybeans, but the warm weather was excellent for crop growth.
Humid weather coupled with rain showers kept heavy soil too damp to continue planting in some areas. Crusting in topsoil postponed planting for some, and led others to employ rotary hoes to help emergence.
Temperatures remained above average for the week for nearly all regions of the state, allowing crops to make significant progress. Days suitable for fieldwork was reduced to 3.7 due to the increased rainfall.
Regionally, winter wheat was 10 percent headed in the north, 33 percent in central and 66 percent in the south.
By region, corn was 75 percent planted in the north, 69 percent in central, and 84 percent in the south.
By region, corn was 42 percent emerged in the north, 34 percent in central, and 46 percent in the south.
Soybeans planted was 32 percent complete in the north, 36 percent in central, and 45 percent in the south.
Emergence in the corn and soybean crop has progressed smoothly and steadily with the warm temperatures. Some low-lying fields may need to be replanted due to soil saturation, but most fields were in good condition.
Winter wheat condition has remained stable and has progressed quickly, surpassing last year by 10 percent for wheat headed.
Hay is growing well, but many farmers are unable to cut and bale with the wet conditions. Burn down for weeds is approaching completion. Strawberries have begun to ripen and be sold at local markets.
Other activities for the week included spraying for weeds, applying fertilizer, tilling, clearing fence rows and hauling grain.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 1 percent; short, 5 percent; adequate, 65 percent; surplus, 29 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 1 percent; short, 4 percent; adequate, 74 percent; surplus, 21 percent.
Average soil temperatures (4-inch depth) were 64 at Wanatah and 61 at West Lafayette.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2014 and 5-year average) showed: corn planted, 74, 52, 70, 68; corn emerged, 40, 11, 38, 43; soybeans planted 36, 17, 32, 38; soybeans emerged, 6, NA, 10, 18; winter wheat jointing, 88, 74, 82, 91; winter wheat headed, 39, 15, 29, 46; alfalfa hay, first cutting, 10, 2, NA, NA.