Rain Improves Crop Conditions
Published: Friday, July 3, 2020
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending June 28.
Significant rain events replenished fields across the state last week. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week.
The average temperature for the week was 73 degrees Fahrenheit, .2 degrees above normal for the state. The amount of rainfall varied from .56 to 4.68 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 2.28 inches.
There were 5 days suitable for fieldwork.
The much-needed rainfall alleviated concerns of drought stress in many corn and soybean fields. With planting wrapped up, growers continued to make progress on applying herbicides and sidedressing nitrogen.
Winter wheat conditions improved slightly as harvest progressed. Hay fields benefitted from the rainfall last week, and second cuttings began in some areas. Livestock were reported to be in good condition.
Fruit and vegetable growers began harvesting in some parts of the state, with produce making its way into local markets.
Other activities for the week included mixing feed, scouting fields and marketing specialty products.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 6 percent; short, 29 percent; adequate, 59 percent; surplus, 6 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 4 percent; short, 30 percent; adequate, 61 percent; surplus, 5 percent.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2019 and 5-year average) showed: corn silking, 2, 0, 0, 5; soybeans emerged, 97, 92, 68, 90; soybeans blooming, 10, 1, 0, 8; winter wheat mature, 70, 51, 69, 79; winter wheat harvested, 22, 13, 23, 34; alfalfa hay, second cutting, 18, 4, NA, NA; other hay, first cutting, 98, 92, 72, 88; other hay, second cutting, 8, 2, NA, NA.
Return to Top of Page