Rain, Cooler Weather Arrive in Ind.
Published: Friday, August 19, 2022
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Aug. 14.
Wide-ranging rainfall across most of the state and milder temperatures helped replenish fields left dry after July's dry spell. Soil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 71 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
The amount of rainfall varied from none to 2.92 inches over the week. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork.
Cooler temperatures paired with rainfall preserved soil moisture levels and assisted in improving crop conditions for much of the state.
Corn and soybean conditions both improved from the previous week with 54 percent of corn and 54 percent of soybeans rated in good to excellent condition.
Corn dough and dent development remained behind their respective five-year averages.
Soybean blooming was nearly complete while setting pods development continued slightly behind its five-year average.
Third cuttings of alfalfa and other hay were taken when possible. Pasture conditions improved from last week with 43 percent of pasture rated in good to excellent condition.
Livestock reportedly enjoyed cool temperatures and gradually improving pasture conditions.
Other activities for the week included applying fungicides and herbicides, harvest preparations and state fair activities.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 6 percent; short, 23 percent; adequate, 67 percent; surplus, 4 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 10 percent; short, 25 percent; adequate, 62 percent; surplus, 3 percent.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2021 and 5-year average) showed: corn silking, 96, 93, 99, 96; corn dough, 59, 44, 73, 64; corn dented, 8, 1, 15, 17; soybeans blooming, 92, 87, 94, 91; soybeans setting pods, 71, 58, 77, 72; alfalfa hay, third cutting, 50, 37, 65, 53; other hay, second cutting, 81, 78, 92, 90; other hay, third cutting, 22, 17, 42, 34.
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