Another Week of Dry Weather as Crop Harvest Wraps Up
Dry soils continue to get dryer in Louisiana, according to the latest Crop Progress and Condition report from the National Ag Statistics Service. There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, October 16, 2016. Topsoil moisture supplies were 27 percent very short, 45 percent short, 28 percent adequate, and 0 percent surplus.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents:
“Cotton harvest almost complete. Dry weather has aided in field preparation for next year's planting. We are very dry and under a burn ban. We are having above normal temperatures and low humidity which increases the fire potential.” – Carol-Pinnell-Alison, Franklin Parish
“Conditions are dry. The soybean harvest is coming to an end, crawfish ponds go to flood, sugarcane harvest is underway, and some second crop rice is coming in. Livestock producers need a weather change for planting winter pastures, and the hay baling season wraps up with an abundance of hay made in the recent weeks. Cattle prices offer a great amount of concern for producers as prices continue to erode to levels below a means of turning a profit.” – Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
“Moisture is needed in order to plant wheat.” – Richard Letlow, Morehouse Parish
“Field and pasture conditions are very dry. Hay producers finishing up baling hay. Waiting for more moisture to plant ryegrass. A lot of farmers busy doing fall fieldwork.” – James “Jimmy” Meaux, Calcasieu Parish
“Dry conditions have created an ideal harvest window. However, in some areas some additional soil moisture would benefit cane tonnage, newly planted cane and winter pasture development. Hay growers have had ample time to cut and bale vacant lots and pastures around the parish. Because of the large volume of hay that has been harvested hay should not be in short supply this fall. Crawfish producers are starting to flood up fields. Sugarcane growers are making good progress with dry cane harvest conditions and are reporting high sugar levels and lower than expected tonnage.” – Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish
“Conditions are very dry.” – Anna Timmerman, Jefferson Parish