The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Sept. 6. Hot and dry weather quickly pushed crops into maturity, although much of the corn and soybean fields remained stressed from the lack of sufficient moisture. Temperatures soared up in the mid-90s for many parts of the state, browning pastures and stressing livestock. Spotty rain showers provided some relief to dry areas, but overall the state remained dry. There were 6.5 days available for fieldwork, on par with last week. Corn has begun to dry down fast, but remains under 50 percent in good to excellent condition. Corn silage harvest continued this week, with some reporting disappointing yields. Growers checking fields noted cases of poor kernel depth and ear size, the resulting effects of nitrogen deficiency and lack of sunlight at critical times. Soybeans are turning color, with little change to condition. Pod counts thus far have been fewer than previously expected. Overall, there are still concerns about the stress that the dry spell has put on the crops. Some early planted corn and soybean fields have been harvested. Pastures have continued to dry out and, in some areas, have become brown and bare. Livestock has been affected by the temperatures and the dry pastures. Farmers continued to cut and bale hay, but do not believe they will make another cutting due to the slow regrowth of the fields. Mint, tomato and potato harvest is underway. As fall harvest rapidly approaches, farmers are preparing harvest equipment, cleaning out bins, flying in seed for cover crops, attending farm shows and mowing roadsides. Regionally, soybeans drop- ping leaves was 18 percent complete in the north, 21 percent in central, and 22 percent in the south. Soybeans rated in good to excellent condition was 44 percent in the north, 48 percent in central, and 46 percent in the south. By region, corn dented was 65 percent complete in the north, 63 percent in central, and 81 percent in the south. Corn matured was 13 percent in the north, 18 percent in central, and 27 percent in the south. Corn rated in good to excellent condition was 40 percent in the north, 48 percent in central, and 55 percent in the south. Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 7 percent; short, 35 percent; adequate, 52 percent; surplus, 6 percent. Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 5 percent; short, 29 percent; adequate, 61 percent; surplus, 5 percent. Source - http://www.farmers-exchange.net