By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania's agricultural industry benefitted from a productive week, with the National Agricultural Statistics Service reporting 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork ending April 28th, 2024. Moisture levels remained favorable, with topsoil boasting 87% adequate and subsoil reaching 82% adequacy. Only minimal reports indicated short moisture supplies.
Apple development continues at a steady pace, with 85% of apples reaching the green tip stage. This sits slightly below last year's numbers but surpasses the five-year average.
Barley is showing significant progress, with 22% of the crop now headed, compared to just 9% last week. Spring tillage activities are in full swing, reaching 51% completion, well ahead of the historical average for this time period.
Crop conditions across the state are promising. Barley boasts a healthy rating, with 73% of the crop categorized as good and 16% rated excellent.
Hay, both alfalfa and other varieties, maintains exceptional health with a dominant good-to-excellent rating exceeding 80%. Winter wheat follows a similar trend, with over 78% of the crop rated good or excellent.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops