By Blake Jackson
New York farmers saw 6 days suitable for fieldwork last week, with slightly drier than average conditions. Topsoil moisture showed pockets of dryness (20% short), while subsoil moisture remained mostly adequate (90%).
Apple trees are progressing through bud development, with green tip and pink stages reaching 93% and 91% completion, respectively.
Planting for barley, corn, and soybeans is nearing completion, exceeding the 5-year average for barley and corn. Corn emergence reached 68%, slightly behind the average but catching up from the previous week. Spring tillage is nearing completion at 94%.
Hay cutting is underway, with the first cutting of alfalfa hay at 78% complete. Oat planting and emergence are also well advanced, with some oat fields starting to head out.
While planting progress is positive, some concerns remain. Barley heading is significantly behind schedule at 26%, compared to the 5-year average of 15%. Soybean emergence is also lagging the average at 65%.
Despite the dry conditions, crop health is holding steady. Most crops are rated good to excellent, with corn, hay (alfalfa and other), oats, pastures, and soybeans all exceeding 50% in the good to excellent category. Even with some dryness, winter wheat health shows promise, with 38% rated excellent.
Overall, New York farmers are making progress with field activities and crop development. While some crops are experiencing slight delays, overall health remains positive.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-banksphotos
Categories: New York, Crops, Corn, Soybeans