No. 457 September 1, 1963
INDIANA CROPS AND LIVESTOCK
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
STATISTICAL REPORTING SERVICE
COOPERATING WITH 
PURDUE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
INDIANA
The outlook for Indiana corn and soybeans continued favorable during August. Moisture
applies were below normal in nearly all areas, particularly in the central and southwestern sections of the State. The dry weather permitted farm work to progress rapidly
ad harvest of small grains was completed in early August. Farmers made good progress
:. preparing land for sowing wheat, filling silos, mowing weeds, and doing other summer-
ine work. Cooler than normal temperatures resulted in slow crop growth but was very
:eneficial in conserving the short moisture supply.
Production of corn for grain at 391 million bushels is 11 percent larger than last year
and 31 percent above average. The September 1 yield forecast of 85 bushels per acre is
] bushels above the record yield established last year. Heavy showers during the third
rak of July provided enough moisture to carry the corn through August. Cool August
;emperatures helped greatly to conserve this moisture. The crop made good progress and
iy September 1, about 45 percent of the corn had advanced to the dent stage and 5 percent
was mature. Although corn is 10 days to 2 weeks later than normal, it is mostly far
aough along to be out of danger unless the first fall frost should come unusually early.
Soybean production is expected to total 84 million bushels, up 9 percent from last
year's record crop and 35 percent above average. The September 1 indicated yield of 30
iushels per acre compares with the previous record of 28 bushels per acre in both 1961
and 1962. Soybeans have made good growth, despite the dry August weather. Cool August
Miperatures helped in conserving the short moisture. By September 1, about 5 percent
i the acreage was shedding leaves compared with about 20 percent normally. Beans are
more weedy than usual. Harvest began on a few of the earliest fields in southern Indiana
ie first week of September.
The final forecast of oat production at 31 million bushels is 6 percent less than last
rear and 18 percent below average. The indicated yield at a record 61 bushels is 6 bushels
above last year. Harvesting weather was ideal and the crop was all in by mid-August.
Hay production is forecast at 2,384,000 tons, 4 percent less than last year. Cool, dry
weather in August afforded uninterrupted harvest and practically no spoilage. Because
these same weather factors, growth was slow and fields in the sandy areas showed the
most effect from the dry weather.
Tobacco production at 16,000,000 pounds is 4 percent less than last year. Harvest began
about mid-August and by the end of the month, one-fourth of the crop had been harvested.
Showers during the last week of August in the tobacco growing areas slowed progress
of harvest.
Potato production is forecast at 1,333,000 cwt., down 30 percent from the 1962 crop.
Digging of the fall crop began the last half of August. Potatoes are of good size and
quality but there are less tubers per hill than last year.
Commercial apple production prospects improved during August. The September 1
forecast of 1,085,000 bushels is up 10 percent from a month ago but is 41 percent less
aan last year's output. Quality is good but sizes are currently running small. Picking
Mcintosh is underway and Jonathans will begin as they add more color.
August milk production totaled 291 million pounds, down seasonally 6 percent from
ast month but 3 percent above August a year ago. Pasture condition improved during
August as a result of the late July rains. Although August was dry, cool temperatures
slowed evaporation and soil moisture was generally adequate.
kg production during August totaled 172 million eggs. The rate of lay is down
seasonally from last month. The average of 1823 eggs per hundred layers in Augustmpares with 1885 in July and 1798 in August a year ago. The number of layers on
:arms was 3 percent below August 1962.
UNITED STATES
August weather brought increases to most major crops and pushed corn, soybeans and
ffle other crops to record production levels. Corn led the increase in feed grain tonnage