DES MOINES, Iowa – While cooler, dry weather slowed planting in much of the Midwest and Appalachians, Indiana had a relatively dry week which allowed for planting progress in most areas, said the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending May 16. Michigan winter wheat showed resiliency and continued progress, according to the report. 

In Indiana, the state’s report said a relatively dry week allowed for planting progress in most areas, but the cooler temperatures slowed crop development.

“Heavy rains to start the week briefly stalled planting progress, but growers made up for it throughout the rest of the relatively dry week,” said Nathanial Warenski, state statistician. 

“Corn and soybean planting progress lagged the previous year but remained ahead of the five-year average. Emergence for both crops was progressing ahead of schedule,” he added.  

He said Indiana’s winter wheat jointing was right in line with the five-year average, though the percent headed lagged the five-year average.

“Winter wheat conditions decreased slightly from the previous week, as concerns remained due to the continued cold weather throughout much of spring,” he said.

In Michigan, the state experienced exceptionally dry conditions, which allowed for a substantial amount of fieldwork, said Marlo Johnson, director of the USDA’s Great Lakes Regional Office.

“Corn and soybean planting continued at a rapid pace,” she said. “Widespread lack of moisture continues to remain the largest concern amongst producers. Temperatures fell below freezing nearly every night last week across most of the state. Some damage was reported, but the full extent is not yet known.”

Despite the dry conditions, Michigan’s winter wheat has shown resiliency and continued progress, she said, adding sugar beet planting reached completion, with a reported 72 percent of the crop emerging.

She said another week of cold weather had fruit development standing still. 

“The week was punctuated by frost-filled early mornings,” she said. “Cooler days limited pollination activity. There was also very little rain, which began to become worrisome. Most areas of the state are currently under a moderate drought.”

In Iowa, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said farmers are approaching the end of the planting season, and the earliest planted corn and soybeans are emerging. 

“While much of the state received rainfall last week, it wasn’t enough precipitation to improve the widespread drought conditions,” he said. “The second half of May is projected to be warmer and wetter, and we need to see consistent rainfalls in the months ahead.”

The state’s crop report said, “Planting of Iowa’s expected corn crop is winding down at 94 percent complete, almost two weeks ahead of the five-year average. Only farmers in west central Iowa have over 10 percent of their corn crop left to plant.” Corn emergence jumped 30 to 52 percent, four days ahead of normal. 

In addition, 83 percent of soybeans has been planted, 18 days ahead of the five-year average. 

“Farmers in southeast Iowa have approximately one-third of their soybean crop left to plant,” the report said. “Twenty-four percent of the expected soybean crop has emerged, 1 week ahead of normal.”

The report added 88 percent of oats has emerged, with some reports of oats headed. Hay condition rated was 54 percent good to excellent, with some farmers starting their first cutting of alfalfa. 

In Illinois, the state’s crop report said there were 4.2 suitable days for field work, with the statewide average temperature at 52.3 degrees.

“Corn planted reached 86 percent, compared to the five-year average of 71 percent,” the state’s report read. “Corn emerged reached 59 percent, compared to the five-year average of 48 percent. Soybeans planted reached 71 percent, compared to the five-year average of 40 percent. Soybeans emerged reached 40 percent, compared to the five-year average of 16 percent. 

“Winter wheat headed was 85 percent, compared to the five-year average of 69 percent,” the report added. 

In Kentucky, the state’s crop report said the state experienced well-below-normal temperatures, and much below-normal rainfall the week ending May 16.

“Cool temperatures hampered field drying and slowed growth of previously planted crops throughout the week,” the report read. “Farmers forged ahead with planting, despite some fields remaining fairly wet. 

“Heavy rain the week before last has relegated some farmers to replanting damaged crops,” the report added. “Bottom lands were particularly affected by rain that week and were further assessed this week after any flooding had retreated.”

The report said corn planting continues to outpace both last years, and the five-year average. 

“Fifty-seven percent of the corn crop has emerged,” the report said. “Soybean planting is also ahead of last year, and the five-year average,” with 21 percent of the crop emerging. 

“Wheat condition remains mostly good, with 81 percent of the crop headed,” the report said. “The drier conditions this week allowed for the application of fungicide to wheat,” adding hay cutting is slightly behind due to the frequent rain this spring.

In Ohio, slow planting progress continued, with rain showers early in the week giving way to drier weather later in the week, said Cheryl Turner, state statistician.

“Corn planted progress was 39 percent complete, and corn emerged was at 17 percent,” she said. “Corn planting progress moved ahead of the five- year average, while emergence fell slightly behind. 

“Soybeans planted progress was 29 percent, while soybeans emerged was 12 percent,” she added. “Winter wheat jointing was 89 percent, and the winter wheat crop was rated 73 percent good to excellent condition.” She added oats were 77 percent emerged and were rated 64 percent good to excellent condition.

In West Tennessee, the state’s crop report said producers planted corn, soybeans, and cotton as weather and location allowed. 

“Earlier cool weather required replanting of some crops,” the report read. “There is speculation that acreage initially intended for cotton will be planted to other crops. As weather allowed, producers applied post-emergent herbicides, nitrogen, and fungicides.” 

In Middle Tennessee, the report said the window of dry weather allowed hay mowing and baling. In East Tennessee, where the weather was drier, hay was cut, and corn planting progressed. The report added strawberries were in good condition – even through the light frost early in the week.