Topsoil Moisture Levels Decreasing
Published: Friday, September 20, 2024
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Sept. 15.
Though precipitation received last week was minimal or nonexistent, crop conditions remained stable. Topsoil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 22% rated adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 69.3 degrees F, 1.4 degrees above normal.
The statewide average precipitation was .22 inches, .61 inches below normal.
There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork.
Little rainfall was received again last week, with the southern and eastern portions of the state most affected.
Corn maturity and soybeans dropping leaves progress both remained ahead of their respective five-year average paces.
Corn for silage harvest was in full swing.
Fourth cuttings of hay were reported by some farmers to be negatively impacted by the dry conditions.
Pastures were struggling with the lack of rainfall, resulting in a seven-point drop in pastures rated in good to excellent condition compared to the previous week. As a result, producers continued supplementing livestock with hay.
Other activities included harvesting apples and sweet corn as well as preparing equipment for harvest.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 32%; short, 46%; adequate, 22%; surplus, 0%.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 28%; short, 45%; adequate, 27%; surplus, 0%.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2023 and five-year average) showed: corn dented, 90, 79, 81, 79; corn mature, 48, 25, 26, 29; corn harvested for grain, 5, 1, 1, 2; corn harvested for silage, 55, 35, 48, 48; soybeans harvested, 6, 1, 1, 1; winter wheat planted, 3, 2, 2, 2; alfalfa hay, third cutting, 97, 93, 96, 93; alfalfa hay, fourth cutting, 34, 23, 35, 33; other hay, third cutting, 73, 64, 79, 73; other hay, fourth cutting, 12, 6, 15, 6.
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