Drier weather for most of the state resulted in the second highest days suitable for the growing season thus far, allowing fieldwork to progress at a faster pace. Fieldwork included harvesting hay and forage, applying fertilizer and the start of small grain harvest. The Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA shares details on how things are looking.
Corn is currently reported at 17% silking, 6 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition was rated 58 percent good to excellent, down 4 percentage points from last week.
Soybeans are now observed at 34% blooming, 1 day ahead of last year but 3 days behind average. Five
percent of the soybean crop is setting pods now. Soybean condition was 56 percent good to excellent, down 4 percentage points from last week.
In other crops, oats are 53% colored and already 92% headed. Oat condition was rated at 78 percent
good to excellent statewide, unchanged from last week. Winter wheat is now 7% harvested, one day ahead of the average, with 97% coloring. The crop condition is unchanged from last week at 81% good to excellent.
Second cutting alfalfa is nearing completion at 65% finished. All hay condition improved to 71% good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
