Agricultural summary

Above average rainfall returned to the state last week, with the vast majority of it coming in one rainfall which was heavier in the central part of the state. This led to a temporary slowdown of the early harvests, but producers were able to get back into the fields relatively quickly.

Soybeans again benefited from the rainfall in areas where moisture levels are not excessive. There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week across the state. The corn crop advanced to 57 percent mature compared to the five-year average of 24 percent. An estimated 7 percent of the corn crop has been harvested, with conditions being rated as 60 percent good to excellent. Soybeans turning yellow reached 49 percent compared to 31 percent for the five-year average.

Topsoil moisture was rated at 11 percent very short, 22 percent short, 63 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Temperatures statewide averaged 71.4 degrees, .2 degrees below the state average. Farmers were either busy harvesting or preparing machinery for harvest as well as bailing some hay and cutting silage.