Louisiana Fields: Dry – Planting Slows

Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending May 13, 2018.

Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents

Mark Carriere, Pointe Coupee Parish
“Due to lack of rainfall, soybean planting has come to a stop in most areas across the parish. The dry conditions from the past 3-4 weeks have allowed most hay producers to make their first cutting of the growing season. All crops across the parish are in need of some moisture.”

Todd Fontenot, Evangeline Parish
“Scattered rainfall across parts of the parish have improved the conditions for all crops. Soybean planting has slowed down with dry conditions. Hay producers have been making cuttings. Pastures are in need of moisture in most parts of the parish.”

Henry Harrison, Washington Parish
“We need some rain due to it being very dry. Home gardeners and commercial vegetable producers of pepper, melons and other crops would benefit from adequate rainfall this week.”

James “Jimmy” Meaux, Calcasieu Parish
“Some areas of the parish received a small amount rain. Majority of the parish is still really dry. Some producers cut hay last week. Pastures are getting short in some areas. Soybean planting slowed due to very little moisture.”

Stanley Dutile, Lafayette Parish
“We have gone from plentiful moisture to significant drought conditions quickly over the past 2-3 weeks. Corn is suffering and soybean planting has mostly stopped due to lack of moisture. Ryegrass pastures have played out and warm season grasses are suffering. Some cattle producers will need to start feeding hay if rain does come soon, but more dry (and hot) weather is forecast for next 10 days.”

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General Comments

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, May 13, 2018. Topsoil moisture supplies were 14 percent very short, 50 percent short, 36 percent adequate, and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 4 percent very short, 39 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 0 percent surplus.

Low temperatures ranged from 60.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Leesville to 69.1 degrees Fahrenheit at New Orleans. Highs ranged from 85.3 degrees Fahrenheit at Galliano to 91.7 degrees Fahrenheit at New Orleans. The precipitation for this week was minimal throughout the State, with the highest concentration in the southeast part of the State with an average of 0.53 inch.