While an unusually cool July has provided great county fair weather, farmers still hope for warmer temperatures and more moisture for crops. Some nighttime temperatures have dropped into the high 40s, with daytime temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to the low 90s.

Another solid week for fieldwork prompted farmers to finish up double-cropped soybeans, turn on irrigation systems on drier soils and complete late spraying activities, according to NASS. Hauling grain and cleaning bins in preparation for fall harvest was also a priority.

Mark Shew, a farmer in Parke, Vermillion and Vigo counties, personally likes the ideal weather he has been having around his ground, but knows warmer weather would help crops.

"Our crops are looking good but I’m sure could stand some heat. We have really had plenty of rain at the right times, so I’ve only had to run one of our irrigation systems four times this season. One storm last week shredded some of our corn leaves in about a quarter-mile strip in southern Parke County. I don’t expect crop damage from it, though," he said.

Eighty-eight percent of field corn has silked, compared with 69 percent the previous week. Eighty-four percent of soybeans are blooming, which is significantly more than last week’s 70 percent. Winter wheat is 98 percent harvested.