Ohio Across most of Ohio this past week farmers were confronted by wetter, windier and warmer conditions. And while wet conditions kept farmers out of the field the warmer air aided in crop emergence.
“The outlook for this upcoming week is for below normal temperatures and normal to above normal rainfall,” said Jim Noel, hydrologist and member of the Crops Observation & Recommendation Network in Ohio.
“We can expect from .5 to 1.5 inches on average with a few higher totals. Next week we’ll see near normal temperatures and below normal rainfall.”
Statewide rainfall was at 1.34 inches, roughly 0.464 above normal for this time of year. The average temperature in the state for the week was 61.6 degrees. High winds prevented farmers from applying pesticides.
Oats remain the leader in this state, with 93 percent planted (56 percent ahead of last year). Winter wheat is next in line, with 81 percent in the ground and 6 percent headed. Ohio farmers have an amazing 76 percent of their corn crop planted, 55 percent ahead of last season and 20 percent above the five-year period. Just 35 percent of soybeans are planted and just 8 percent of that total has emerged.
Potatoes planted are at 50 percent while cucumbers are at 17 percent. Strawberries harvested are at 3 percent. Four percent of the first cutting of alfalfa hay was complete.
Many fruit growers are beaming, as 75 percent of apple and peach trees are in full bloom.
“The longer range outlook into summer is warmer than average temperatures with below normal rainfall in the northeast to normal and slightly above in the southwest part of Ohio,” Noel said. “There’s still great uncertainty with the change from El Nino to La Nina.”
By Doug Graves
Ohio Correspondent
Indiana Wet conditions have slowed the record pace of planting corn, according to Indiana’s NASS office. Despite the rainy weather for the past two weeks, the emergence, growth and plant populations of both corn and soybeans are good in most areas of the state.
Some low-lying areas in Southern Indiana are facing flooding, which may require replanting. The prospects of recently submerged corn fields are difficult to determine, said Purdue University’s corn expert, Bob Nielsen.
“The sarcastic answer is that flooded crops will survive until they die. What this statement means is that no one can tell you with certainty the day after the storm whether a ponded area of a corn field will survive or whether there will be long-term yield consequences until enough time has gone by such that you can assess the actual recovery of the damaged plants,” Nielsen said.
Nielsen listed the risk factors that would help determine recovery: complete v. partial submerging; length of time of ponding; surface crusting, and mud deposits on leaves, among others.
Wind was also a factor last week as it prevented spraying herbicides. Only 3.1 days were suitable for fieldwork. Even so, 81 percent of the corn crop has been planted, compared to 10 percent last year and 52 percent for the five-year average. By area, the central region of the state leads the way with 88 percent planted, while the north has 81 percent and the south lags behind with 66 percent.
Soybean acreage is only 35 percent planted, but that compares well with 2 percent last year and 19 percent for the five-year average.
Winter wheat is also doing well with 91 percent jointed. Last year 79 percent was jointed, while 86 percent is the five-year average.
Pasture condition is rated 78 percent good to excellent compared with 74 percent last year. Pastures and hay crops are in mostly good condition due to warm temperatures and adequate moisture. Livestock are in mostly good condition.
By Susan Blower
Indiana Correspondent
Tennessee Flooding that hit West and Middle Tennessee during the first days of May is over, but its effect on crops continues.
Most of the water receded below flood stage by the end of the first week in May. However, some farmers had to wait to assess the damage to their crops because of standing water. Flooding was responsible for the total loss of some wheat crops and for casualties of livestock. Additionally, some corn crops will have to be replanted, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
“Heavy rains the end of last week and flooding from Forked Deer River and Obion River has several thousand acres damaged or lost. It will probably be two to three weeks before many acres in bottom areas will be dry enough to get back into, and that depends on weather.” said Tim Campbell, Dyer County extension agent.
Thousands of acres in Tipton County are still under water, according to agent Michael Morris. “Beginning last Friday, Tipton County received between 14 inches and 16 inches of rainfall, ending on Sunday. Widespread flash flooding damaged thousands of acres of cropland and pastures across the county.”
Agent Troy Duggar of Hickman County described the area as “devastated.”
“Still determining agricultural losses. Many producers still do not know what all was lost and/or damaged. The wheat we had is pretty much destroyed. Corn that was planted in April in the Duck River bottoms was completely covered with water, although it has gone down in many places now. Livestock has been lost. Some have been buried, others have washed down the river,” Duggar said.
It wasn’t just crops that were damaged in flooding, according to Crockett County agent Richard Buntin.
“Roads are damaged and closed, making field access difficult,” Buntin said.
Farmers in East Tennessee were luckier, with most farms in that region escaping flooding. Most were able to cut hay last week, and those in areas not affected by flooding planted soybeans and cotton and other crops, NASS reports.
“Thankfully, we missed all the flooding received in Middle and West Tennessee. Hay crop looks great. Strawberries are ripening with high yields expected,” reported agent Mannie Bedwell of Hamblen County.
NASS reported that topsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent short, 56 percent adequate and 42 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 2 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 38 percent surplus. Areas of short moisture in the state were located in East Tennessee, while all other areas had adequate-to-surplus levels.
Also, while the entire state had above-normal temperatures, East Tennessee was the warmest part of the state, with posted temperatures 7 to 9 degrees F. above normal, according to NASS.
By Tesa Nauman
Tennessee Correspondent |
