Pennsylvania fieldwork conditions - week ending April 21

By Blake Jackson

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service's report for Pennsylvania, the week ending April 21, 2024, provided farmers with 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture levels were generally favorable, with 88 percent reported as adequate and 12 percent as surplus. Subsoil moisture was similarly positive, with 89 percent deemed adequate and 7 percent in surplus, indicating good conditions for planting and cultivation.

Crop progress varied, with apples showing significant advancement in the "green tip" stage, reaching 80 percent compared to 60 percent the previous week. Barley had begun heading, with 9 percent reported, although data from the previous year or a five-year average were not available for comparison. Spring tillage operations were 26 percent complete, indicating ongoing field preparation activities.

In terms of crop conditions, both barley and winter wheat fared relatively well. Barley had 80 percent rated as good and 14 percent as excellent, with no reports of very poor or poor conditions. Similarly, winter wheat had 60 percent rated as good and 35 percent as excellent, with no reports of poor or very poor conditions. These positive assessments suggest favorable prospects for these crops in Pennsylvania's agricultural landscape.

Photo Credit: usda-nrcs