Favorable weather boosts Pennsylvania farmers fieldwork

By Blake Jackson

For the week ending October 27, 2024, Pennsylvania farmers experienced favorable conditions, with an average of 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork, as reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Topsoil moisture levels were assessed with 10 percent very short, 28 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and no surplus. Subsoil moisture was similarly distributed, with 9 percent very short, 30 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and no surplus levels recorded.

In terms of crop progress, apple harvesting reached 95 percent completion. Barley planting stood at 70 percent, up from last week’s 55 percent but trailing the five-year average of 81 percent, while barley emergence was at 35 percent.

Corn maturity advanced to 90 percent, closely aligning with last year's 92 percent, and the corn harvest for grain rose to 50 percent, ahead of last year’s 34 percent but above the five-year average of 44 percent. Corn silage was nearly complete at 95 percent.

The soybean harvest progressed to 45 percent, slightly below the five-year average of 55 percent. Alfalfa hay’s fourth cutting reached 95 percent, ahead of last year's 86 percent.

Winter wheat planting reached 70 percent, with 30 percent emergence, while fall tillage completion was at 55 percent, matching last year’s progress.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-greer