Louisiana Field Reports: Harvest Resumes at Full Speed

Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending September 5, 2016.

Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents

Carol-Pinnell-Alison, Franklin Parish
“Good harvest conditions this past week aided in getting most of the corn harvested. Some fields lost grain due to the delayed harvest from weather events that broke stalks, sprouted grain or weaken stalks. Some soybeans fields will be harvested this week and defoliants going out on others. Hay harvest last week with drier conditions. Sweet potato producers need dry soil to harvest. Rice harvest begins this week also.”

Andrew Granger, Vermilion Parish
“Recent flooding has significantly damaged unharvested rice crop with some cases of complete loss. Rice farmers were rapidly harvesting what was harvestable with the threat of tropical storm. Sugarcane farmers were back in the fields this week planting and made good progress. Ranchers impacted by flood are struggling to find hay and feed and are expecting a very expensive winter.”

Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish
“Drier conditions finally allowed growers back into the fields this week. Rice growers are finishing up with harvest/salvage efforts in flood damaged fields. After a near 3 weeks delay due to wet conditions sugarcane growers returned to the fields to continue planting. Hay growers are starting to rake and bale hay. Some low lying cattle pastures are finally draining and some displaced cattle may be able return home next week. Stinkbugs are showing up in soybean fields. Soybean fields damaged by flooding are fading out.”

Jimmy Meaux, Calcasieu Parish
“Last half of the week was good dry weather. Farmers cutting rice again, some in the water to get the crop of out the field. Second crop rice is looking great for those that cut a few weeks before the rains. Soybean fields are looking good after the rains, some close to maturity. Still too wet to cut hay pastures. Cattle producers starting to market spring calves.”

Frances Guidry, Jefferson Davis Parish
“Many fields are still very wet from the flooding and rains each afternoon.”

Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish
“Drier weather has allowed for farmers to return to their fields. Rice and soybeans were harvested with reduced yields and low quality. Sugarcane planting is in full swing with farmers dealing with lodged and brittle cane. Planting ratios seem to be somewhat near average. Some fields of sugarcane have been damaged by wild hogs. Pastures were bailed with abundant grass, but of low quality as many pastures were over mature.”

General Comments

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, September 4, 2016. Topsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 33 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 38 percent surplus.

Low temperatures ranged from 60.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Homer to 78.0 degrees Fahrenheit at New Orleans. Highs ranged from 87.4 degrees Fahrenheit at Mooringsport to 95.5 degrees Fahrenheit at St. Joseph. Mix weather conditions throughout the state where some parts were dry and others were wet from the flooding and scattered rainfall. The southeast part of the state received the highest average of rain concentration at 1.41 inches.