Kentucky Farmers are still assessing the damage caused by floods that occurred at the beginning of the month.
As of May 17 corn planting progress was “94 percent of intended acreage planted, up 50 percent from last year, and up 15 percent from the five-year average according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Kentucky Field Office. The report also noted that corn emergence was reported at 83 percent, 47 percent above the previous year, and 20 percent above the five-year average.
What corn wasn’t affected by the flooding appears to be in good shape thus far. Soybean planting progress appears to be ahead of schedule reported the NASS. Last week planting stood at “28 percent, 25 percent above last year, and six percent above the five-year average. Emerged soybeans reported at nine percent, seven percent above the previous year, and five percent above the five-year average.”
Tom Priddy, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture meteorologist reported that, for the week of May 10-16, “Most days rainfall came in the form of scattered thunderstorms; however midway through the weekend some very moist air from the south moved into the Commonwealth. This brought widespread rainfall to all parts of the state except extreme western areas. The cloudy skies kept highs just a bit cooler than normal, but kept lows just above normal for a daily average that was right around normal for this time of year.”
The wet conditions have hindered some tobacco producers from getting their plants into the field and have contributed to the appearance of some diseases in float bed systems but still planting is ahead of last year at this time.
The NASS report for last week noted that “20 percent of the state’s burley had been set, 14 percent above last year, and six percent above the five-year average. Dark tobacco is 30 percent set, 19 percent ahead of the five-year average.”
The state’s wheat crop is in good shape, although the extent of water damage is still being determined. The NASS report notes the crop condition is 60 percent and 17 percent excellent.
By Tim Thornberry
Kentucky Correspondent
Indiana Very little fieldwork was accomplished during the week due to persistent rain showers, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. In spite of that, corn planting is running about 12 days ahead of the five-year average with soybean planting about five days ahead.
“Rain patterns are definitely slowing the planting season,” said Mark Kepler, Purdue Extension Educator in Fulton Co. “Still, I feel we’re a good two weeks ahead of last year when planting didn’t start until May 26.” Statewide, 86 percent of the corn acreage has been planted compared with 22 percent last year; 69 percent of the corn has emerged compared with seven percent last year. Soybean statistics show 46 percent planted compared with seven percent last year.
While there were only two days suitable for fieldwork last week and he wishes the rain would let up a bit, Tom Weaver, Fulton Co., is making good use of the down time. “We bought a lot of new equipment this year,” he said. “We’re still learning about GPS and having tractors with hands-free steering. Rainy days give us time to become acquainted with our new technology.”
Some corn acreage will need to be replanted due to flooding in low lying areas and also poor emergence due to the recent cool, wet weather. A limited amount of soybean acreage will need to be replanted because of frost damage in some of the state’s northernmost counties. Many farmers have begun taking first cuttings of hay.
By Ann Allen
Indiana Correspondent
Illinois There were cooler than normal temperatures with rain spread across much of Illinois last week causing some low-land flooding and ponding in fields. Many producers are predicting a small amount of corn replanting will need to be done.
Temperatures averaged 58.1 degrees, 4.0 degrees below normal across the state. Statewide precipitation averaged 2.25 inches, 1.31 inches above normal, with 1.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture was rated 44 percent adequate and 56 percent surplus.
Corn plantings are basically complete and corn emergence is at 78 percent compared to the five-year average of 53 percent. Soybeans are 42 percent planted compared to the five-year average of 36 percent.
Soybean emergence is at 12 percent compared to the five-year average of 8 percent. Winter wheat is 60 percent headed and 8 percent filled.
Corn condition is 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.
Winter wheat condition is 6 percent very poor, 18 percent poor, 41 percent fair, 32 percent good, and 3 percent excellent. Pasture condition is 16 percent poor to fair and 84 percent good to excellent.
-Illinois NASS |
