Corn and soy planting in Indiana expands

Planting of corn is no longer moving at a record pace due to wet soil conditions over the last two weeks, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Emergence, growth and plant populations of both corn and soy are good in most areas of the state. Windy conditions made it difficult to spray herbicides again this past week. Some southern counties have experienced flooding in low lying areas which may require replanting of crops.

There were 3.1 days suitable for field work. 81% of the intended corn acreage has been planted compared with 10% last year and 52% for the 5-year average. By area, 81% of the crop has been planted in the north, 88% in the central region, and 66% in the south. 52% of the corn acreage has emerged compared with 2% last year and 17% for the 5-year average. 35% of the intended soy acreage has been planted compared with 2% last year and 19% for the 5-year average.

Indiana corn planting progress matches the national number. Nationally 39% of corn is emerged. The national soy numbers are 30% planted and 7% emerged.

91% of the winter wheat acreage is jointed compared with 79% last year and 86% for the 5-year average. 14% of the winter wheat crop is headed compared with 13% last year and 18% for the 5-year average. Winter wheat condition is rated 73% good to excellent compared with 79% last year at this time.

Major activities during the week included: tillage of soils, applying anhydrous ammonia, repairing equipment, spraying herbicides, moving grain to market, hauling and spreading manure and taking care of livestock.

Meanwhile, pasture condition is rated 78% good to excellent compared with 74% last year. Pastures and hay crops are in mostly good condition due to the warm temperatures and adequate moisture. Livestock remain in mostly good condition.