Indiana Sees Abnormal Dry Spell
Published: Friday, April 14, 2023
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending April 10.
Saturated soils continued to limit fieldwork throughout much of the state.
Topsoil moisture levels remained unchanged from last week with 94% of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
There were 2.2 days suitable for fieldwork.
The average temperature for the week was 52.8 degrees, 6.2 degrees above normal.
The amount of rainfall varied from none to 2.37 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was .81 inches, .12 inches below normal.
Soil moisture levels remained high throughout the state despite abnormally warm weather. Winter wheat jointing was underway with 68% of the crop rated in good to excellent condition.
Livestock were reportedly doing well despite muddy field conditions.
Other activities for the week included planting preparations, repairing storm damage, lawn mowing and tilling where possible.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 1%; short, 5%; adequate, 59%; surplus, 35%.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 2%; short, 8%; adequate, 65%; surplus, 25%.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2022 and 5-year average) showed: winter wheat jointing, 16, 6, 13, N/A.
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