Indiana Ag Connection - Indiana Harvest Cools with Rain, Low Temperatures

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Indiana Harvest Cools with Rain, Low Temperatures
Indiana Ag Connection - 10/20/2009

Harvest progress was hindered once again by rain showers and cool temperatures, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Moisture content in the corn and soybeans has been slow to come down requiring a great deal of the harvested crops to be dried. Many areas of the state encountered heavy frost over the weekend which will end the growing season for any crops that were not yet mature. Some intended winter wheat acreage may not be planted as farmers are being forced to wait until other crops are first harvested from these fields.

There were 2.5 days suitable for field work during the week. Corn condition is rated 63 percent good to excellent compared with 56 percent last year at this time. Seventy-seven percent of the corn crop is mature compared to 92 percent last year and 96 percent for the 5-year average. Fifteen percent of the corn crop has been harvested compared to 39 percent last year and 49 percent for the 5-year average. Moisture content of harvested corn is averaging about 25 percent.

Soybean condition is rated 63 percent good to excellent compared with 49 percent last year at this time. Twenty-seven percent of the soybean acreage has been harvested compared with 71 percent last year and 72 percent for the 5-year average. Moisture content of harvested soybeans is averaging about 14.5 percent.

Twenty-two percent of the Winter Wheat acreage has been planted compared to 67 percent last year and 69 percent for the 5-year average. Four percent of the winter wheat has emerged compared with 28 percent last year and 27 percent for the 5-year average. Tobacco harvest is 95 percent complete compared with 96 percent last year and 97 percent for the 5-year average.

Pasture condition is now rated 58 percent good to excellent compared with 25 percent last year at this time. Livestock remain in mostly good condition.