According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, July 13, 2014. Topsoil moisture supplies were 4 percent very short, 26 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 2 percent very short, 19 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Low temperatures ranged from 68.9 degrees Fahrenheit at Alexandria to 77.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Grand Isle. Highs ranged from 88.3 degrees Fahrenheit at Grand Isle to 95.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Mooringsport. The precipitation for this week was minimal throught the state, with the highest concentration in the east central part of the state with an average of 1.87 inches.
Comments from Extension Agents
“There have been scattered rains and typical July temperatures. It’s been a good growing season so far.”
– Richard Letlow, Ouachita Parish
“Rain is hampering most field activities. Vegetables are still coming in, citrus producers scouting orchards, and cattlemen are fertilizing pastures.”
– B Barton Joffrion Jr., Terrebonne Parish
“Crops are progressing well. Some farmers are still treating grain sorghum for sugarcane aphids. Fruit trees seem to be having a tough time this year in Avoyelles with disease and pests.”
-Justin Dufour, Avoyelles Parish
“Late afternoon showers in the week slowed all field work. Sugarcane continues to show good progress but is still a few weeks behind normal in terms of height in some fields. Soybeans continue to look good as pod counts seem good. Very little hay was cut due to rainfall.”
– Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish
“All crops are generally in good condition. Soybeans stands will be a weak spot for producers this growing season with poor stands in many areas due to rainfall during planting. Forages for crawfish ponds will be planted soon. Corn begins to dry down, grain sorghum is maturing, and rice is heading and reaching maturity. Weather conditions have been very favorable for sugarcane. Cattle markets are out of the roof and producers are selling calves early to prepare for fall and winter seasons.”
– Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
For More Information: Louisiana Crop Progress
