Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending October 12, 2014.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, October 12, 2014. Topsoil moisture supplies were 2 percent very short, 23 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 3 percent very short, 21 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Low temperatures ranged from 57.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Hodges Garden to 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit at New Orleans. Highs ranged from 77.5 degrees Fahrenheit at Hodges Gardens to 88.5 degrees Fahrenheit at New Orleans.
The precipitation for this week was spread throughout the state, with the highest concentration in the northwest part of the state with an average of 1.26 inches.
Comments from Extension Agents
“Soybean harvest was slowed again with rains on Monday but picked up later in the week. Crawfish producers applying flood. Rice producers will start second crop harvest soon.”
– Frances Guidry, Jefferson Davis Parish
“Beginning to get rainfall which is delaying harvest of cotton and soybeans planted behind wheat. Rain timed well for ryegrass plantings. Summer pasture grasses slowing growth due to shorter days.”
– Carol Pinnell, Franklin Parish
“Farmers harvesting late soybean crops. Second crop rice is starting to turn. Still have a few hay fields to harvest that have been hampered by rains. Ryegrass is about halfway done due to rains this week too.”
– James ‘Jimmy’ Meaux, Calcasieu Parish
“Sugarcane grinding season is making good progress. Growers are reporting good tonnage and sugar levels. Soybean damage from stinkbugs and weather appears to be increasing in late harvested beans. Cool season pasture planting and forage harvest continues. Crawfish ponds are being flooded by growers.”
– Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish
“While most commodity production areas begin to wrap up harvest, sugarcane begins. Most crop areas offer average to above average yields and early indicators are that sugarcane will offer good yields as well. Crawfish acres go to flood for next year’s crop. Cattle producers are planting winter pastures and putting up hay. Cattle prices are still high and producers are encouraged by the market. Fall work continues for the planting of spring crops.”
– Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
