Indiana Ag Connection - Cool Temperatures Slow Indiana Planting

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Cool Temperatures Slow Indiana Planting
Indiana Ag Connection - 04/20/2021

Cool and dry weather allowed for plenty of fieldwork over the last week, though the colder temperatures slowed planting progress in some parts of the State, according Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office. Soil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 82 percent of topsoil moisture reported as adequate or surplus.

The average temperature for the week was 49.8 degrees Fahrenheit, 2.2 degrees below normal for the State. The amount of rainfall varied from none to 0.86 inches over the week. The statewide average precipitation was 0.22 inches. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.

While some farmers held off on planting amid the colder temperatures, corn and soybean planting still ended the week ahead of schedule thanks to the dry weather.

Winter wheat conditions improved slightly from the previous week, though a light frost over the weekend raised some concern. The percent of winter wheat jointing remained ahead of the five-year average.

Livestock were reported in good condition with spring calving winding down.

Other activities for the week included tillage, fertilizer and herbicide applications, and hauling grain.

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