Indiana Ag News Headlines Indiana Soybeans Turning Colors Indiana Ag Connection - 09/15/2009 Many soybean acres across the state have turned color and begun shedding leaves, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Diseases in soybeans continue to be a growing concern as white mold and aphids seem to be spreading. Silage, seed corn, and tomato harvest continued during the week. A very limited amount of corn and soybeans have been harvested at this time. Rains have been spotty in several counties causing drought stress to crops in these areas. Farmers have been busy cleaning out grain bins and preparing equipment for the upcoming harvest. There were 6.0 days suitable for field work during the week. Corn condition is rated 64 percent good to excellent compared with 55 percent last year at this time. Sixty percent of the corn is in the dent stage compared to 75 percent last year and 87 percent for the 5-year average. Seven percent of the corn crop is mature compared to 17 percent last year and 39 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition is rated 63 percent good to excellent compared with 47 percent last year at this time. Fifteen percent of the soybean acreage is shedding leaves compared with 30 percent last year and 45 percent for the 5-year average. The third cutting of alfalfa hay is 90 percent complete compared with 95 percent last year and 96 percent for the 5-year average. Tobacco harvest is 44 percent complete compared with 31 percent last year and 41 percent for the 5-year average. Pasture condition is rated 60 percent good to excellent compared with 28 percent last year at this time. Livestock remain in mostly good condition. Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.