By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, via the National Agricultural Statistics Service, reports mostly favorable conditions for the week ending April 14, 2024. While only 3.0 days were suitable for fieldwork, a significant improvement over the previous week, soil moisture levels remained highly beneficial for crop development.
Topsoil moisture supplies were exceptional, with 0% categorized as very short or short, 70% rated adequate, and a surplus reported on 30% of land. Subsoil moisture mirrored this positive trend, with no reports of very short moisture and only 7% falling into the short category. These abundant moisture levels offer a significant advantage as farmers progress with spring planting activities.
Despite the limited fieldwork window, spring tillage completion reached 16%, surpassing the minimal progress observed the prior week. Apple development is also tracking positively, with 60% of apples reaching the green tip stage, which is slightly ahead of the historical average.
Established winter wheat appears to be in excellent health, with 70% rated good and 30% rated excellent. Barley condition is similarly promising, with 80% classified as good and the remaining 20% falling into the excellent category.
This report highlights Pennsylvania agriculture's resilience in the face of limited fieldwork opportunities. Abundant soil moisture and positive early-season crop development provide a promising outlook for the upcoming growing season.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Government & Policy