By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania farmers saw mostly favorable conditions last week, with 7 days suitable for fieldwork. While some areas experienced short-term dryness (2% very short topsoil moisture and 1% very short subsoil moisture), the majority of the state reported adequate moisture levels.
Barley continues its maturation process, with coloring reaching 76% completion, well ahead of the historical average. Grain harvest for barley has begun, with 27% of fields harvested.
Corn planting is nearly complete at 96%, exceeding the 5-year average. Emergence is also progressing well at 80%, showcasing significant improvement from the previous week. Corn height is averaging 27 inches, reflecting its rapid growth.
Hay cutting is underway, with the first cutting of alfalfa hay at 75% complete. Similar progress is seen in other hay types, with the first cutting of other hay reaching 65% completion.
Soybean planting reached 82%, on par with the historical average. Emergence sits at 65%, slightly behind the average but catching up.
Winter wheat development is well advanced, with 96% of the crops headed. Coloring is underway at 32% completion, exceeding the average pace.
Crop health remains positive across the board. Corn, alfalfa hay, other hay, pastures, soybeans, and winter wheat are all rated mostly good to excellent, indicating favorable growing conditions despite the pockets of dryness.
Pennsylvania farmers are capitalizing on suitable weather conditions to make significant progress with planting, crop development, and hay cutting. While some dryness is present, current moisture levels appear adequate for continued growth.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmytro-diedov
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat