Rice Harvest Underway, Corn Getting Close

Louisiana rice harvest is moving ahead at a fast pace and corn harvest is just around the corner. The latest Crop Progress and Condition report from the National Ag Statistics Service puts the rice harvest at 12 percent completed with 21 percent of the corn crop now mature.  

Small showers in many areas of the state have slowed field work, but over half of the state's soils are still dry.  The report rates 55 percent of Louisiana soils as short or very short on moisture.

Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents:

“Tremendous watermelon season about to end for summer and getting fields ready for fall planting. Afternoon thunderstorms are problematic for some fieldwork, overall conditions are favorable. Home gardeners are preparing sites for fall plantings of many vegetables.” – Henry Harrison, Washington Parish

“Rice harvest is progressing between showers, stubble management practices are being carried out in preparation for the ratoon crop. Hay harvest is being delayed by threat of rain most days. Sugarcane planting is just started with good size cane for planting. Cattle ranchers are beginning to wean spring calves and pull bulls to end breeding season.” – Andrew Granger, Vermilion Parish

“Rain showers this week are pushing producers around in all crop areas. The rice harvest has started, yields are mixed at this time, and some say early varieties are about average. Weather permitting some grain sorghum will be harvested soon. Corn turning fairly quick. Hay producers have been struggling with rain showers on cut fields with more rain expected. Many reports of armyworms in hay fields, producers are treating. Commercial and home vegetable gardens are struggling with high heat and many insect issues.” – Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish

“Some pop-up thunder storms brought some needed rain and some unwanted wind. Some corn, cotton and soybeans blown down. Corn harvest has begun.” – Carol Pinnell-Alison, Franklin Parish

“Rice is being harvested and more fields being drained. Yield is mixed from 25-45 barrels. Soybeans need a rain and hay fields need a shower to get a better quality second cutting. Ranchers mowing pastures and some fieldwork being done with dry weather.” – Jimmy Meaux, Calcasieu Parish

“Rain continues to slow fieldwork as sugarcane farmers attempt to wrap up fallow ground preparations and start planting. With good height and density of plant cane planting ratios should be good this year; however the start of planting will be delayed as farmers will be dodging rains. Hopefully by the first week in August sugarcane planting will be in full swing.” – Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish

Click here to see the full report

Monica Velasquez