Hot and dry weather quickly pushed crops into maturity, although much of the corn and soybean fields remained stressed from the lack of sufficient moisture, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region.
Temperatures soared up in the mid-90’s for many parts of the State, browning pastures and stressing livestock. Spotty rain showers provided some relief to dry areas, but overall the State remained dry. There were 6.5 days available for fieldwork this week, on par with last week.
Corn has begun to dry down fast, but remains under 50% in good to excellent condition. Corn silage harvest continued this week, with some reporting disappointing yields. Growers checking fields noted cases of poor kernel depth and ear size, the resulting effects of nitrogen deficiency and lack of sunlight at critical times.
Soybeans are turning color, with little change to condition. Pod counts thus far have been fewer than previously expected. Overall, there are still concerns about the stress that the dry spell has put on the crops. Some early planted corn and soybean fields have been harvested.
Pastures have continued to dry out and, in some areas, have become brown and bare. Livestock has been affected by the temperatures and the dry pastures.
Farmers continued to cut and bale hay, but do not believe they will make another cutting due to the slow regrowth of the fields. Mint, tomato, and potato harvest is underway. As fall harvest rapidly approaches, farmers are preparing harvest equipment, cleaning out bins, flying in seed for cover crops, attending farm shows, and mowing roadsides.
Regionally, soybeans dropping leaves was 18% complete in the North, 21% in Central, and 22% in the South. Soybeans rated in good to excellent condition was 44% in the North, 48% in Central, and 46% in the South. By region, corn dented was 65% complete in the North, 63% in Central, and 81% in the South. Corn matured was 13% in the North, 18% in Central, and 27% in the South. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 40% in the North, 48% in Central, and 55% in the South.
