Rain Slows Harvest, Floods Fields
Rain soaked Louisiana farms and ranches last week, grinding harvest to a halt and flooding many fields. The latest Crop Progress & Condition Report from the National Ag Statistics Service shows rice harvest slowing at 55 percent complete. Corn harvest is falling behind the average pace, now at 30 percent done, compared to a 5 year average of 45 percent.
Sorghum harvest is ahead of schedule with 64 percent of the crop out of the field. Sixteen percent of the sugarcane planting is now done, but heavy rains in south Louisiana have flooded many cane fields.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents “Rains at the end of the week slowed down rice harvest. Yields are average; some in the upper 30's to mid-50's (barrels). High pressure of stinkbugs showing up in late planted rice. Soybeans will benefit from the rains that we are receiving.” – Jeremy Hebert, Acadia Parish
“Many fields are flooded, and some sugarcane has fallen or lodged. Some areas received as much as 20 inches of rain. Soybeans that have received a harvest aide application could start to deteriorate if this weather doesn't break.” – Jimmy Flanagan, Saint Mary Parish
“Deep flooding rains over the weekend have the entire agriculture production sector wondering what the future holds for this year’s crop. Many acres of maturing crops, some mature and ready to harvest under water. In many areas stored hay completely submerged. The truth will not really be known until any harvest attempt is made. Good weather days are needed.” – Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
“Water is everywhere and how long it will stay on the fields is yet to be seen. Condition of crops will be in a rough state when water gets off.” – Steve Borel, Iberville Parish
“Continuous rain for several days during the past week. Many fields are flooded. Concerns about water still rising. Sugarcane planting and soybean harvest will be delayed for some time.” – Mariah Simoneaux, Saint James and Assumption Parish
“Historical rains have dropped over 20 inches in the parish during the past week. Sugarcane planting, soybean and rice harvest have all been stopped due to flooded fields. As of now livestock losses appear to be minimal. Yield loss to rice and soybeans could be major. Many sugarcane fields have lodged cane and planting will be delayed for several days if not weeks depending on the how much more rain we receive.” – Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish