According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, July 12, 2015. Topsoil moisture supplies were 6 percent very short, 14 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture supplies were 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Low and high temperatures ranged are not available. Dry conditions were prevalent throughout most of the state after weeks of frequent heavy scattered showers.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents
Miles J. Brashier, Pointe Coupee Parish: “Late planted soybeans struggling due to so much rain. Corn starting to fire up. Hay production is spotty at best. A lot of hay production lost due to excessive rainfall. Sugarcane progressing well. Early planted soybeans look good.”
Keith A. Fontenot, Evangeline Parish: “Rain free sunshiny weather allowed a large amount of hay to be cut and in the process of being baled since last Friday, which is long overdue. Rice continues to mature with excellent weather with very low stinkbug reports so far.
Soybean growth really benefitting from sunshine, however some disease reports of frog eye leaf spot in different areas. Crawfish ponds being drained and re-conditioned or planted. In a short length of time our soil has gone from a saturated state to crop and lawn conditions where irrigation may be needed shortly.”
Andrew Granger, Vermillion Parish: “Rice farmers are beginning to drain fields and are scouting for stink bugs. Some hay was harvested with the drier weather. Some sugarcane was treated for borers. The breeding season is ending for some ranchers.”
Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish: “Weather conditions allowed for fields to dry up and farmers were busy working fallow ground, and spraying sugarcane and soybean fields for insects, weeds, and grass. Despite all the rain this year these crops look as though they will have very good yields. Also, hay was bailed but quality is of concern.”
Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish: “A relatively dry, hot week allowed good field progress. Sugarcane borer pressure is requiring treatment. Soybeans are being sprayed for stinkbugs and fungal diseases. Rice fields are being drained for harvest. Hay producers are cutting, applying fertilizer and herbicides. Some cattle producers are starting to market spring born calves.”
