By Blake Jackson
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Pennsylvania, the week ending September 29, 2024, saw 1.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Favorable moisture levels contributed to healthy crop progress across the state.
Topsoil moisture levels were rated as 0 percent very short, 9 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern, with 13 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus, reflecting generally good growing conditions.
Crop conditions varied, with 42 percent of corn rated as good and 13 percent excellent, though 21 percent was classified as poor or very poor.
Soybeans were doing slightly better, with 54 percent rated good and 11 percent excellent. Pastures and ranges were in good condition overall, with 55 percent rated as good and only 9 percent rated as poor.
For crop progress, apple harvests reached 65 percent, just below the five-year average of 67 percent but slightly ahead of last week’s 60 percent. Corn is 90 percent dented, and 42 percent of the crop is mature, showing progress compared to last week’s 28 percent.
Corn for silage harvesting reached 65 percent, just behind the five-year average of 70 percent. Soybeans were also advancing, with 54 percent of the plants dropping leaves, up from 44 percent the previous week.
Planting of winter wheat was getting underway, with 5 percent of the crop planted so far. Barley planting, however, lagged, with just 7 percent planted compared to 23 percent last year. Fall tillage was 30 percent complete, in line with the five-year average.
Additionally, hay production continued, with the fourth cutting of alfalfa reaching 65 percent complete and 85 percent of other hay completing its third cutting.
Overall, while fieldwork was limited this week, crop and soil conditions remain mostly favorable, ensuring steady progress as harvest season continues across Pennsylvania.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmaroscar
Categories: Pennsylvania, Harvesting