According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, September 27, 2015. Topsoil moisture supplies were 30 percent very short, 32 percent short, 37 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture supplies were 23 percent very short, 32 percent short, 42 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Low temperatures ranged from 56.6 degrees Fahrenheit at Homer to 70.9 degrees Fahrenheit at Morgan City. Highs ranged from 83.7 degrees Fahrenheit at Galliano to 92.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Jonesville. Warm dry weather conditions were prevalent throughout most of the state and some areas received scattered rain, with the highest rain concentration in the southwest part of the state with an average of 0.44 inches.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents
Carol Pinnell, Franklin Parish: “Soybeans, planted behind wheat, turning color. Cotton harvest increasing. We are still very dry.”
Vincent Deshotel, St. Landry Parish: “A general rain is need to help improve all field conditions that have really dried out in relation to soil moisture. Sweet potato field conditions would benefit the most with a general rain to improve harvest conditions. Newly planted sugarcane would benefit as well. Livestock producers need moisture to get winter pastures planted but the dry conditions have been favorable for hay production.”
James “Jimmy” Meaux, Calcasieu Parish: “Slow rain showers over weekend were good for pastures and beans. Some hay cut last week. Ground preparations for ryegrass being done. Some planted this week.”
Stuart Gauthier, St. Martin Parish: “Labor issues are delaying the start of grinding at the sugar mill. Growers are anxious to start harvesting cane that was treated last month with ripener. Rains in the last month have helped sugarcane growth recover somewhat from dry spells this summer. Soybean harvest yields continue to be disappointing. However, some growers are hopeful that the later planted group V beans have better potential. Cattle growers have had good hay making weather, and some growers are starting to throw out ryegrass seed for cool season pastures.”
B Barton Joffrion Jr., Terrebonne Parish: “Cattlemen preparing to plant ryegrass. Vegetable producers planting vegetables. Citrus producers scouting trees for insects.”
