According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, August 10, 2014. Topsoil moisture supplies were 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. Low temperatures ranged from 71.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Homer to 80.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Grand Isle. Highs ranged from 88.5 degrees Fahrenheit at Grand Isle to 96.0 degrees Fahrenheit at New Orleans. The precipitation for this week was minimal throughout the state, with the highest concentration in the southwest part of the state averaging 1.21 inches.
Comments from Extension Agents
“Farmers started cutting rice this week across the parish; yields have been good so far. A few sorghum fields have sugarcane aphid infestations. Ranchers cutting hay pastures in between rain showers with some fall armyworms infesting pastures.”
– James “Jimmy” Meaux, Calcasieu Parish
“Grain sorghum, rice, and corn are being harvested between persistent afternoon thunder storms. Black rot has been identified in a couple of soybean fields. Preparations for sugarcane planting are under way. Cattle prices remain high as spring born calves begin to make their way to market.”
– Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
“Wet conditions have delayed sugarcane planting and it is shorter than normal. Rice harvest got into full swing this week, with good yields being reported. Hay producers are looking for a good dry window to catch up with harvest. Breeding season is all but done and some producers will begin selling calves to market.”
– Andrew Granger, Vermilion Parish
“A few producers have harvested some high moisture corn, while they have the ability to dry it on farm. High humidity and scattered rain has slowed grain drying. More harvest will start this week depending on grain moisture and weather. We have had good rainfall this summer which has reduced the amount of irrigation needed. The rainfall has grown a lot of forage for livestock producers but has made it difficult to harvest hay in a timely manner.”
– Carol Pinnell, Franklin Parish
“Rice harvest increased this week with it being uneven and slow to ripen. The rice that is ready to harvest is being slowed by daily showers. The showers have helped some soybean fields but have really frustrated hay producers trying to cut hay. Some reports of high stinkbugs in the later planted rice. There are no major insect problems in soybean fields yet.”
– Barrett Courville, Acadia Parish
For more information: Louisiana Crop Weather
