in-crop-weather State Indiana Crop Weather Week Ending Date September 20, 2009 IN-CW092009 AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY Lack of moisture and warm temperatures during the week forced the major field crops closer to maturity, according to the Indiana Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. A few of the earliest planted corn and soybean fields have been harvested with widely varying yields being reported. Many farmers were making final preparations to harvesting equipment and cleaning out grain bins. Harvest of corn silage continues especially in northern counties. FIELD CROPS REPORT There were 6.6 days suitable for field work during the week. Corn condition is rated 62 percent good to excellent compared with 53 percent last year at this time. Seventy-two percent of the corn is in the dent stage compared to 87 percent last year and 94 percent for the 5-year average. Fourteen percent of the corn crop is mature compared to 37 percent last year and 57 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition is rated 59 percent good to excellent compared with 46 percent last year at this time. Forty percent of the soybean acreage is shedding leaves compared with 56 percent last year and 66 percent for the 5-year average. The third cutting of alfalfa hay is 95 percent complete compared with 99 percent for both last year and the 5-year average. Tobacco harvest is 61 percent complete compared with 55 percent last year and 59 percent for the 5-year average. LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE REPORT Pasture condition declined from last week and is now rated 54 percent good to excellent compared with 30 percent last year at this time. Livestock remain in mostly good condition. Crop Progress Table ------------------------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : 5-Year Crop : Week : Week : Year : Avg ------------------------------------------------------- Percent Corn in Dough 96 94 99 100 Corn in Dent 72 60 87 94 Corn Mature 14 7 37 57 Soybeans Shedding Lvs 40 15 56 66 Alfalfa - 3rd Cutting 95 90 99 99 Tobacco Harvested 61 44 55 59 Crop Condition Table ---------------------------------------------------- : Very : : : : Excel- Crop : Poor : Poor : Fair : Good : lent ---------------------------------------------------- Percent Corn 3 8 27 50 12 Soybean 3 10 28 48 11 Pasture 4 11 31 43 11 Soil Moisture & Days Suitable for Fieldwork Table ---------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : : Week : Week : Year : ---------------------------------------- Percent Topsoil Very Short 9 4 9 Short 36 28 30 Adequate 53 64 58 Surplus 2 4 3 Subsoil Very Short 6 4 10 Short 31 26 29 Adequate 62 66 58 Surplus 1 4 3 Days Suitable 6.6 6.0 5.8 Contact Information --Greg Preston, Director --Andy Higgins, Agricultural Statistician E-Mail Address: nass-in@nass.usda.gov http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Indiana/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Other Agricultural Comments And News WHEAT PLANTING CONSIDERATIONS: IMPACTS OF 2009 CROP HARVESTS (SEPT. 16) Planting wheat in Indiana usually depends on three main factors: Hessian fly-free date, harvest of corn and soybean, and the weather. Weather conditions were just right for head scab infection in many wheat fields this spring and could reduce seed quality. The wet spring and cool temperatures in July and August have delayed and potentially reduced yield of the corn and soybean crops (related articles at . Additionally, delayed harvests of corn and soybean will certainly be of interest to planting dates of soft red wheat in Indiana. PLANTING DATE The optimal planting date for wheat in Indiana is within 7 to 14 days after the average Hessian fly-free date, which is presented in Figure 1 (which can be viewed at:http:extension.entm.purdue.edu/pestcrop/ 2009/issue24/index.html, page 6). Early planting of wheat increases the probability of infestation by Hessian flies, which lay eggs that hatch and the larvae (maggots) feed on young wheat seedlings (for more information please visit The risk for disease infection in the fall increases with early planting, especially for seedling blights in warm soils (> 60°F) and barley yellow dwarf virus that is transmitted by aphids. In contrast, late-planted wheat often has limited vegetative growth (i.e., tillering) that can decrease winter survivability, increase the susceptibility of winter heaving, and reduce yield. Wheat yields may be reduced 10 to 20% if planting is delayed up to 30 days after the Hessian fly-free date. For example, the Hessian fly-free date in Whitley County (northeastern Indiana) would be ~September 24, and wheat should ideally be planted by October 7 to minimize stresses and maximize yield potential. Some soybean fields in Whitely County are at full seed (R6) today, September 16, and will begin physiological maturity (R7) by October 4 based on average soybean development (~18 days from R6 to R7). Hence, the window for optimal planting of wheat can be short due to the delayed soybean maturity. This is a concern in the northern and central areas of Indiana. However, some combines have been cutting soybeans in Tippecanoe County and timely planting of wheat is still possible. SEEDING RATE Optimum yields are normally obtained at plant populations of 1.3 to 1.5 million plants per acre (30 to 35 plants per ft2). The amount of seed needed to obtain this stand would vary depending on the seed size, germination test, and emergence potential (factors include planting date, planting equipment, and seed bed conditions). Wheat seed that has 90% germination value and the field conditions are such that 90% of the viable seed will emerge equals 81% of the planted seed will establish plants (90% germinate x 90% emerge = 81% establish). The seeding rate to obtain 1.5 million plants per acre would be 1.85 million seeds per acre, and it is calculated as follows: [(1.5 million plants per acre) / (81% plant establishment) = 1.85 million seeds per acre]. The number of pounds per acre will increase as the seed size increases, so the seeding rate of 1.85 million seeds per acre will require 115, 132, and 154 lb per acre for small (16,000 seeds per lb), medium (14,000 seeds per lb), and large seeds (12,000 seeds per lb), respectively. Plant population of 1.3 million per acre would require 1.6 million seeds per acre if 81% plant establishment was used, and small, medium,and large seeds would be planted at 100, 114, and 133 lb per acre, respectively. Seeding rate would decrease if plant establishment values increased (e.g., higher germination values, optimal soil moisture, optimal soil temperature, use of seed treatments). If you are planting in an area that is prone to winter heaving and winter kill can be problematic, you should aim for 35 plants per ft2. Late plantings of wheat should also increase the desired seeding rate to compensate for the limited time for adequate tillering. SEED DEPTH Seed placement is important for emergence, plant stand, and winter hardiness. Seeding depths around 1" are ideal, and an acceptable range is 0.75 to 1.25." If the seeds are planted too deep, the seed uses much of its energy to emerge with little reserves left for establishment. Shallow planting enables quick emergence provided soil moisture is adequate. However, if the root system does not fully develop the crop will be susceptible to stresses in water and nutrient availability. Shallow root systems will not anchor the plants and will be prone to heaving during freezing-thawing cycles. Thus, it is critical to calibrate planting equipment (e.g., replace worn seed openers, calibrate depth control, adjust coulters to cut through crop residue) and control planting speeds to maintain seed placement. SEED SOURCE Seed treatments with fungicides should prove beneficial this year as wheat plantings could be delayed. Head scab was prevalent in many wheat producing areas during the 2009 harvest, so be on the lookout for scabby wheat especially in bin-run wheat. I recommend planting certified seed to sidestep the issues of planting scabby wheat-reduced vigor, poor germination, and source of disease. Scab-infected seeds and "tombstones" will NOT germinate, and seed treatments will NOT bring them back to life. Bin-run wheat should be thoroughly cleaned to ensure purity and to reduce scabby wheat. This seed should also be tested for germination and treated with fungicides labeled for Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of head scab, to help protect uninfected seeds from early season infection. The seed treatment will not prevent head scab next spring since head scab depends on weather conditions at the time of flowering, previous crop, and varietal susceptibility. Written by Shaun Casteel, Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907. In order to view an Indiana map showing the many average Hessian fly-free dates, go to http:extension.entm.purdue .edu/pestcrop/2009/issue24/index.html, page 6. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The INDIANA CROP & WEATHER REPORT (USPS 675-770), (ISSN 0442-817X) is issued weekly April through November by the USDA, NASS, Indiana Field Office, 1435 Win Hentschel Blvd, Suite 110, West Lafayette IN 47906-4145. For information on subscribing, send request to above address. POSTMASTER: Send address change to the USDA, NASS, Indiana Field Office, 1435 Win Hentschel Blvd, Suite 110, West Lafayette IN 47906-4145. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Weather Information Table Week ending Sunday September 20, 2009 ----------------------------------------------------- | Past Week Weather Summary Data |--------------------------------- Station | Air | | Avg | Temperature | Precip. |4 in. |---------------|------------|Soil |Hi |Lo |Avg|DFN| Total| Days|Temp ---------------------------------------------------- Northwest (1) Chalmers_5W 83 42 63 -3 0.00 0 Francesville 84 39 63 -2 0.00 0 Valparaiso_AP_I 82 43 64 +0 0.00 0 Wanatah 83 37 61 -3 0.00 0 71 Winamac 83 45 64 +0 0.00 0 71 North Central(2) Plymouth 83 44 63 -3 0.00 0 South_Bend 82 42 64 +1 0.00 0 Young_America 83 45 63 -2 0.00 0 Northeast (3) Fort_Wayne 83 44 64 +0 0.00 0 Kendallville 83 50 66 +2 0.06 1 West Central(4) Greencastle 83 46 64 -4 0.00 0 Perrysville 85 44 65 -1 0.00 0 69 Spencer_Ag 84 48 66 +0 0.00 0 Terre_Haute_AFB 84 45 66 -2 0.00 0 W_Lafayette_6NW 84 42 64 -2 0.00 0 75 Central (5) Eagle_Creek_AP 85 52 69 +3 0.00 0 Greenfield 83 48 65 -1 0.00 0 Indianapolis_AP 85 52 70 +4 0.00 0 Indianapolis_SE 83 50 66 -1 0.00 0 Tipton_Ag 84 46 63 -1 0.00 0 77 East Central(6) Farmland 84 42 63 +0 0.00 0 72 New_Castle 82 48 64 -1 0.00 0 Southwest (7) Evansville 86 57 72 +4 0.13 1 Freelandville 82 54 68 +1 0.00 0 Shoals_8S 82 47 67 +0 1.00 1 Stendal 83 54 70 +2 0.53 1 Vincennes_5NE 84 51 70 +3 0.64 1 77 South Central(8) Leavenworth 83 54 70 +4 0.32 2 Oolitic 83 50 67 +2 0.02 1 70 Tell_City 85 57 72 +3 0.09 1 Southeast (9) Brookville 84 51 67 +3 0.00 0 Greensburg 84 51 67 +3 0.00 0 Seymour 82 49 66 +0 0.00 0 ----------------------------------------------------- Weather Information Table (Continued) Week ending Sunday, September 20, 2009 ------------------------------------------------- | Accumulation |-------------------------------- | April 1, 2009 thru Station | September 20, 2009 |-------------------------------- | Precipitation |GDD Base 50oF |-------------------------------- | | | | | |Total | DFN |Days|Total| DFN Northwest (1) | Chalmers_5W |20.36 -0.86 64 2474 -429 Francesville |21.35 -0.05 60 2428 -240 Valparaiso_AP_I |17.32 -5.40 61 2562 -89 Wanatah |20.88 -1.14 67 2305 -229 Winamac |17.44 -3.96 58 2506 -162 North Central(2)| Plymouth |20.19 -1.54 80 2428 -376 South_Bend |23.59 +2.49 61 2555 -78 Young_America |19.33 -1.31 48 2526 -230 Northeast (3) | Fort_Wayne |20.89 +1.80 62 2661 -95 Kendallville |18.33 -1.62 73 2714 +124 West Central(4) | Greencastle |29.79 +5.78 69 2495 -609 Perrysville |29.56 +6.91 62 2815 -75 Spencer_Ag |30.66 +6.39 67 2790 -128 Terre_Haute_AFB |22.61 -0.09 57 3040 -42 W_Lafayette_6NW |24.74 +3.55 62 2664 -77 Central (5) | Eagle_Creek_AP |27.20 +5.93 63 3053 -3 Greenfield |32.18 +8.92 66 2718 -220 Indianapolis_AP |30.42 +9.15 61 3161 +105 Indianapolis_SE |33.16 +11.42 65 2722 -326 Tipton_Ag |25.15 +3.64 66 2547 -112 East Central(6) | Farmland |17.45 -3.50 63 2595 -3 New_Castle |23.58 +1.30 64 2487 -175 Southwest (7) | Evansville |27.01 +5.60 63 3589 +49 Freelandville |30.94 +8.63 63 3127 -56 Shoals_8S |31.77 +7.62 59 2844 -243 Stendal |33.88 +9.85 60 3494 +154 Vincennes_5NE |29.61 +7.30 65 3259 +76 South Central(8)| Leavenworth |31.07 +6.58 87 3142 +75 Oolitic |27.37 +4.23 71 2888 -62 Tell_City |26.45 +1.85 59 3391 -24 Southeast (9) | Brookville |25.65 +3.18 63 2933 +130 Greensburg |32.04 +9.38 69 3058 +195 Seymour |29.98 +7.90 58 2827 -116 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 2009: Agricultural Weather Information Service, Inc. All rights reserved. DFN = Departure From Normal GDD = Growing Degree Days. Precipitation (Rainfall or melted snow/ice) in inches. Precipitation Days = Days with precip of .01 inch or more. Air Temperatures in Degrees Fahrenheit. For more weather inrformation, visit www.awis.com or call 1-888-798-9955.