Rain filled the forecast last week allowing only 2.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending October 7, 2018, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Temperatures also swung widely; highs were in the mid 80s on Friday but barely made it into the 50s on some other days. Wet soil conditions continued to prevent fieldwork in most of the state.
Farmers were struggling to bring in the last of their corn silage as whole plant moisture was becoming unfavorable for forage production. Grain moisture was high in many soybean fields, delaying the soybean harvest as well. Reporters in many areas noted increasing pressure from mold and diseases caused by damp conditions. An extended period of dry weather is needed to dry up mud and dry down crops.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 0 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 36 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 31 percent surplus.
Eighty-four percent of corn was mature, 17 days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn harvested for grain was 14 percent complete, 14 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the average. The moisture content of corn harvested for grain was reported at 23 percent. Corn for silage was 87 percent harvested, 11 days ahead of average. Corn condition was 71 percent good to excellent.
Soybeans dropping leaves was reported at 89 percent complete, 4 days ahead of both last year and the average. Soybean harvest was 17 percent complete, 5 days behind last year and 2 days behind the average. Soybean condition was 71 percent good to excellent.
Potato harvest was reported as 73 percent complete, 6 days behind last year.
Fifty-four percent of winter wheat was planted, 5 days behind last year. Thirty-three percent of the winter wheat crop has emerged, 2 days behind last year.
The fourth cutting of alfalfa was 87 percent complete, 14 days behind last year, but 1 day ahead of the average
Pasture condition was rated 61 percent in good to excellent condition, compared with 65 percent in good to excellent condition last week.
Fall tillage was reported at 14 percent complete, even with last year, but 2 days behind the average. More rain has hit the state this week causing even more of a delay on harvest. Hopefully the rain will stop so our fields have a chance to dry.