By Blake Jackson
Limited field work opportunities hampered progress for Pennsylvania farmers during the week ending May 12th, 2024, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. With only 3.5 suitable days for fieldwork, planting lagged the usual pace for some crops.
However, the news wasn't all bad. Soil moisture conditions remained favorable across the state. Topsoil moisture was rated 88% adequate and 12% surplus, with no reports of very short or short moisture. Subsoil moisture followed a similar trend, with 85% adequate and 10% surplus.
Here's a summary of crop progress compared to past years:
- Corn: Planting progress is slightly behind the 5-year average, with 29% complete.
- Soybeans: Similar to corn, soybean planting is lagging behind schedule, with only 19% complete.
- Barley: While barley is ahead of schedule for heading, data for past years on this stage is not available.
- Spring Tillage: Spring tillage activities are nearing completion at 66%, which is slightly behind the historical average.
- Winter Wheat: Winter wheat is starting to head, with progress exceeding last year but behind the average.
While planting may be behind schedule, favorable soil moisture conditions provide a positive outlook for the growing season. Better weather and more opportunities for fieldwork in the coming weeks could help Pennsylvania farmers catch up on planting and ensure a successful harvest.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Corn, Soybeans