For the week ending Sept. 9, there were 5.6 days suitable for field work. The topsoil and subsoil moisture ratings were adequate in Maryland, while the soybeans were in fair to good condition, as was the corn. Hay supplies were adequate, pasture conditions were good, and apples were in good condition.
Heavy rain on the eastern shore totaled 2.94 inches in Ocean City, and 5.43 inches in Salisbury. The rest of the region received between half an inch and two inches of rain. Average temperatures were warmer than normal with average temperatures ranging from four degrees to 10 degrees above normal.
In Maryland, soybeans were 99 percent setting pods, 17 percent turning color, and five percent dropping leaves. Corn progress was 90 percent dent, 56 percent mature, and 14 percent harvested for grain; and corn silage harvest was 80 percent complete. The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay was 73 percent complete and the fifth cutting was 10 percent complete in Maryland. The third cutting of other hay in Maryland was 49 percent complete and the fourth cutting two percent complete. The apple harvest was 56 percent complete.
Crop progress for the week ending Sept. 9
Crop This week Last week Last year 5-year avg.
Alfalfa hay, 4th cutting 73 58 33 41
Alfalfa hay, 5th cutting 10 3 n/a n/a
Other hay, 3rd cutting 49 44 41 57
Other hay, 4th cutting 2 n/a 2 6
Corn, dent 90 70 94 87
Corn, mature 56 36 61 51
Corn, harvested for silage 80 62 61 50
Corn, harvested for grain 14 9 17 15
Soybeans, setting pods 99 92 94 91
Soybeans, turned 17 7 13 22
Soybeans, dropping leaves 5 1 4 8
Cucumbers, harvested 95 89 98 90
Lima beans, harvested (proc) 75 70 75 65
Snap beans, harvested 98 95 98 90
Sweet corn, harvested 93 89 92 90
Tomatoes, harvested 83 80 90 88
Cantaloupes, harvested 85 78 92 92
Watermelons, harvested 81 79 93 91
Apples, harvested 56 47 32 48
Soil moisture conditions for the week ending Sept. 9
Condition Topsoil Moisture Subsoil Moisture
This week/last week This week/last week
Very short: 4/6 9/12
Short: 15/20 14/22
Adequate: 77/73 76/64
Surplus: 4/1 1/2
