Corn, Rice Harvest Move Forward Despite Rainfall
Widespread rain showers moistened soils across Louisiana, as farmers made quick work of rice and corn harvest.
Nearly 80 percent of the state's soils are rated adequate to surplus on soil moisture, which is a big jump from the previous week when over half of Louisiana soils were in the short to very short categories.
Corn harvest is getting underway, with 8 percent of the crop now harvested and 51 percent of the crop now mature.
Louisiana's rice harvest is well ahead of schedule, despite scattered showers putting a damper on progress. Harvest is estimated at 20 percent done, well ahead of the 11 percent five year average for this time of year.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents
“3 to 5 inches of rain and lower temperatures were beneficial this week.” – Richard Letlow, Morehouse Parish
“Showers continue to interrupt field progress. Cane growers are waiting for fields to dry out to put planting into full swing. Some early maturing soybeans on cane rows are being sprayed with defoliant in preparation for harvest. Rice harvest will begin this week. Small amounts of lodging is being seen in rice fields. Pastures are getting ample rainfall for warm season forage growth resulting in good cow/calf body condition. Hay producers are waiting for a dry spell to make a cutting.” – Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish
“Rice and grain sorghum producers are harvesting in some areas but rain showers are a problem over the recent days. Soybean diseases are beginning to show up where fungicides are going out. Insect pressure in the soybean crop is also on the rise with other spring crops maturing, stink bug and worm populations are being reported. Hay producer's fields are ready for another cutting. Fall vegetable garden sites will soon get active planting fall tomatoes and winter crops.” – Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
“Producers are preparing to plant sugarcane. Soybeans are looking good. Harvest aids have been applied to some soybean fields.” – Mariah Simoneaux, Saint James Parish
“This weeks showers have farmers looking for dry fields to be able to harvest grain sorghum, and corn. Producers are watching the sky's looking for an opportunity to apply harvest aids to desiccate soybeans. Sugarcane growers are talking about planting next week if weather and field conditions permit.” – Steve Borel, West Baton Rouge Parish
“Strong spotty storms came through this week and delivered heavy rains in some parts while others stayed dry. A small amount of rice was knocked down due to the storms. Soybeans benefited from the rain.” – Jeremy Hebert, Acadia Parish