Louisiana Field Reports: Needed Showers Slow Field Work

Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending September 22, 2019.

Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents

Andrew Granger, Vermilion Parish
“Rains limited sugarcane planting and hay harvest. Some areas needed the rain. Ryegrass planting started. Army worms were very active in pastures and rice growing for crawfish production. Cattlemen continued to wean and market calves.”

Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish
“Needed showers slowed fieldwork, as sugarcane farmers are trying to finish planting. Rice and soybeans farmers are wrapping up harvest. Most pastures were baled with an abundance of low quality hay made. One local mill started grinding during the week with low sugar content being reported. Most other sugarcane mills in the area plan to start grinding by the end of the month.”

Bradley Pousson, Cameron Parish
“Lower areas of the parish received 7 inches of rain. Rye grass ground was being worked before the rain event. Farmers were preparing for second crop with land flooded up.”

Jeremy Hebert, Acadia Parish
“Rain showers last week slowed down fieldwork. Soybeans were close to being harvested with some fields set to be cut this week. Recent rain showers stopped hay cutting which was wrapping up.”

Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish
“Scattered showers during last week and over the weekend interrupted field activities. Cane grinding began with older stubble and lower tonnage being reported. Soybean and rice harvest continued with lower yields being reported. Fall hay harvest is winding down with ample supplies. Fall garden vegetable planting continued.”

Anna Timmerman, Jefferson Parish
“Dry conditions persisted.”

General Comments

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According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, September 22, 2019. Topsoil moisture supplies were 15 percent very short, 33 percent short, 46 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 10 percent very short, 32 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.

Low temperatures ranged from 67.0 degrees Fahrenheit at Saint Joseph to 77.9 degrees Fahrenheit at New Orleans. Highs ranged from 86.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Oberlin to 96.5 degrees Fahrenheit at Saint Joseph. Light to moderate precipitation was received throughout the State, with the highest concentration in the southwest part of the State with an average of 2.20 inches.