Dry Conditions Spread as Rice Harvest Begins
Dry conditions continue to spread across Louisiana, according to the latest Crop Progress and Condition report from the National Ag Statistics Service. Over half the state's soils are short or very short on moisture, up a few points from last week's report.
Rice harvest is underway in Louisiana, with 1 percent of the crop harvested. 65 percent of the rice crop is rated good to excellent, with 35 percent in the poor or fair categories.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents
“Some corn harvest may begin this week. We are very dry. We have gotten some very limited pop-up showers. Non-irrigated crops are suffering from hot and dry conditions. So far no insect or disease issues found in soybean fields.” – Carol Pinnell-Alison, Franklin Parish
“Afternoon showers and clouds have helped moderate temperatures. Some parts of the parish are missing showers and rapidly drying out. Some sugarcane growers may start planting this week. Rice growers are starting to drain fields in anticipation of harvest in a couple of weeks. Stinkbugs are starting to show up in soybean fields. Spring gardens are playing out with some growers starting to make fall garden preparations. Pears are ripening. The fig harvest is winding down and fig quality was damaged by the frequent rains during maturity.” – Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish
“Rice harvest will be in full swing soon, corn fields are beginning to dry down well with high temperatures. The grain sorghum crop is coloring up real good, and soybean fields are looking really good. A large portion of the hay crops were rolled in the last couple of weeks. Producers are making herbicide treatments to clean up weeds and fertilizing for the fall cutting. Vegetable production has slowed with high temperatures, but okra and field peas are coming in well.” – Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
“It has been humid and wet. Rainfall most of the week.” – Reed Himel, Terrebonne Parish
“Rice harvest has started. Just a very small amount of acreage has been harvested and yields look to be in the low to mid 40's (barrels). Many fields have been drained and are making the transition to be cut. I expect to see many more combines in the fields next week. Soybeans are looking very good with many fields setting pods. Some reports of aerial blight are showing up in soybeans. Parts of the parish received a much needed shower for the soybeans; other parts are still dry and can use some moisture in the topsoil.” – Jeremy Hebert, Acadia Parish
“Sugarcane farmers continue to spray for the West Indian Cane Fly and prepare land and equipment for planting. Sugarcane height is looking good for this time of year which should allow for a good planting season that should be in full swing by the first week in August. Soybeans and rice continue to make good progress and some hay was made with decent quality. High temperatures continues to affect livestock and home gardens.” – Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish