By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania farmers capitalized on a productive week (5.5 suitable fieldwork days) ending June 30th, 2024, despite facing drier than average soil conditions. Topsoil moisture showed a significant portion (34%) short on moisture, while subsoil fared slightly better with 20% reported short.
Barley progressed steadily, with coloring reaching 95% complete, exceeding the historical average. Maturation of barley grain is also ahead of schedule, with 66% mature compared to the 5-year average of 73%. Harvesting for grain has begun and reached 56% completion.
Corn planting is nearly complete at 97%, with emergence following closely at 94%. The average corn height reached 43 inches, catching up significantly compared to the much lower average for this time of year (22 inches).
Hay producers enjoyed a productive week. The first cutting of alfalfa hay is nearly finished at 97%, and the second cutting is underway at 31% complete. The first cutting of other types of hay reached 92%, with the second cutting just beginning.
Soybean planting progressed to 95% completion, with emergence at 83%. Soybean blooming has just begun, reaching 10%.
Winter wheat also showed promising signs of development. Coloring of winter wheat reached 75%, exceeding the historical average. However, maturity (41%) and harvesting for grain (27%) are lagging behind the usual pace for late June.
Overall, Pennsylvania farmers effectively utilized the available fieldwork window to advance various crops despite encountering drier soil conditions.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Corn, Soybeans