Heavy Rain Impacts Field Work

Heavy rainfall occurred throughout the state, making it challenging for farmers to complete field activities. Although some field work was completed early week before the wet weather occurred, very little was accomplished later in the week. The Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA shares details on how things are looking.

Corn condition was rated 65 percent good to excellent, down 4 percent from last week. Corn planting was 96 percent complete. Corn emergence was 89 percent complete, one week behind last year and 3 days behind the 5-year average.

Soybean condition was 64 percent good to excellent, down 3 percent from last week. Soybean planting was 97 percent complete. Soybean emergence was 90 percent complete, 8 days behind last year but one day ahead of average.

The first cutting of alfalfa hay was 83 percent complete, 13 days behind last year and 6 days behind average. All hay condition decreased to 66 percent good to excellent, down 7 percentage points from last week.