By Blake Jackson
For the week ending August 11, 2024, Pennsylvania experienced 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork, as reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Topsoil moisture conditions were varied, with 4% classified as very short, 22% as short, 57% as adequate, and 17% as surplus. Subsoil moisture levels followed a similar pattern, with 4% very short, 24% short, 54% adequate, and 18% surplus.
In terms of crop progress, apple harvesting had reached 6%, a slight increase from the previous week's figure of less than 5%. Corn development showed significant progress, with 78% of the crops in the silking stage, up from 60% last week and consistent with the five-year average.
Corn in the dough stage was at 26%, a substantial rise from last week's 7% and in line with the five-year average.
Alfalfa hay cutting was also progressing well, with 95% of the second cutting completed, 39% of the third cutting, and 6% of the fourth cutting underway.
Other hay was 67% through the second cutting. Harvesting of oats for grain stood at 43%, while peaches were 47% harvested, reflecting good progress compared to last week.
Soybeans were 83% in the blooming stage, with 57% setting pods. The winter wheat harvest was nearing completion at 95%.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-frankoppermann
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Alfalfa, Government & Policy