While field activity picked up last week, high moisture levels and cool soil temperatures continued to delay planting, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels decreased very slightly from the previous week, with 98% of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.
Indiana crop progress for week ending April 24:
• Corn planted: Last week, 1% completed; last year, 13% completed; five-year average, 10% completed.
• Soybeans planted: Last week, 0% completed; last year, 8% completed; five-year average, 4% completed.
• Winter wheat jointing: Last week, 35%; last year, 51%; five-year average, 45%.
The average temperature for the week was 54.7 degrees, 0.2 degrees above normal for the state. The amount of rainfall varied from 0.14 inches to 1.09 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.58 inches, 0.36 inches below normal. There were 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 24.
Growers took advantage of the relatively dry week to focus on pre-planting activities such as spring tillage and anhydrous ammonia applications, though planting was still delayed due to the wet and cool soil conditions. Winter wheat conditions improved slightly from the previous week, while the percent jointing remained behind the five-year average. Livestock were reported in good condition and enjoying the greener pastures. Other activities for the week included spraying pre-plant herbicides and moving grain to market.