Hot, Dry Conditions Move Louisiana Crops Forward
High temperatures and less rainfall have allowed farmers to get into fields and Louisiana crops to move forward in development, according to the latest report from the National Ag Statistics Service.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents
“Crops are still looking good. It is getting drier, temperatures slightly higher than normal with high humidity making field work uncomfortable. Some corn beginning to dent.” – Carol Pinnell-Allison, Franklin Parish
“Most Crops are in good shape and in heavy production at this time. Much of rice and grain sorghum crops are headed out, the corn crop also appears to be well advanced. An insect and disease presence are in many crops, stink bug populations in rice and soybeans are a concern at this time. Hay balers were in high gear last week as producers were finally able to get to their hay fields with good conditions. Livestock are battling the heat, and feral hogs are also making their presence as crops mature with damage being reported in rice reaching milk and dough stages as well in jointing sugarcane.” – Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
“Hot temperatures in South East LA with minimal rainfall. Some scattered showers but the weather conditions are great for harvesting; okra, corn, peas, beans and other warm season crops. Area producers will start harvesting watermelons this week. Livestock producers are selling spring calves in our area market.” – Ahmad Robertson, Saint Helena Parish
“Hot and for the most part sunny weather allowed for some hay harvest. Many farmers are draining fields in preparation for harvest. Cane is making good growth and late planted rice is developing rapidly. Heat stress especially on black bulls is a problem.” – Andrew Granger, Vermilion Parish
“As field conditions have improved sugarcane farmers have been busy working/preparing fallow ground. With a Section 18 granted for the cane fly; sugarcane farmers are monitoring fields and spraying where needed. This will be an added expense, and still too early to tell long term effect on yields. Early planted soybeans on cane rows continue to grow well; and farmers are busy monitoring and spraying for insect control. Cattle producers cutting pastures and making hay. Quality may be down as many pastures have been too wet to bale.” – Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish
“Dry weather allowed producers a good opportunity to get in the field during the past week. Sugarcane producers are preparing for planting, working fallow fields and putting up rows.” – Mariah Simoneaux, Saint James Parish