Corn, Soybean Conditions Improved
Published: Friday, August 23, 2024
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Aug. 18.
Scattered rainfall and cooler temperatures helped to maintain soil moisture levels and bolster crop conditions.
Topsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 72% rated adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 72.2 degrees F, .6 degrees below normal.
The statewide average precipitation was .90 inches, .02 inches above normal.
There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork.
Farmers welcomed sporadic rain that replenished soil moisture, while some continued utilizing irrigation systems in the drier parts of the state.
Conditions for both corn and soybeans improved slightly from the previous week, with 73 and 72% rated in good to excellent condition, respectively. There were some reports of tar spot in corn. Both crops continued progressing ahead of schedule.
Third cuttings of hay remained on pace compared to previous years.
Other activities included fungicide applications, hauling grain and harvest preparations.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2023 and five-year average) showed: corn silking, 98, 94, 96, 97; corn dough, 71, 55, 66, 67; corn dented, 25, 11, 9, 16; corn harvested for silage, 1, NA, 0, NA; soybeans blooming, 96, 91, 93, 93; soybeans setting pods, 82, 73, 77, 74; alfalfa hay, third cutting, 59, 39, 53, 56; alfalfa hay, fourth cutting, 4, NA, NA, NA; other hay, second cutting, 85, 77, 88, 88; other hay, third cutting, 31, 21, 31, 33.
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