Cold, Wet Weather Delays Planting
Published: Friday, May 13, 2022
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending April 17.
Another cold, wet week prevented planting progress throughout most of the state. Soil moisture levels decreased slightly from the previous week, with 99 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 50.3 degrees F, 1 degree below normal.
The amount of rainfall varied from .50 inches to 2.38 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 1.37 inches, .40 inches above normal.
There were 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork.
High moisture levels and cool soil temperatures hindered planting progress throughout much of the state.
Fertilizer applications and spring tillage were underway where conditions allowed.
Winter wheat conditions remained stable from the previous week, and the percent of winter wheat jointing progressed behind the 5-year average.
Livestock were reported in good condition as pastures continued to green up.
Other activities for the week included purchasing supplies and preparing equipment for planting.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 0 percent; short, 1 percent; adequate, 55 percent; surplus, 44 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 1 percent; short, 2 percent; adequate, 59 percent; surplus, 38 percent.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2021 and 5-year average) showed: corn planted, 0, 0, 6, 3; soybeans planted, 0, 0, 3, 1; winter wheat jointing, 23, 14, 40, 30.
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