Farm

In early July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) simplified access to historic data by putting 77 years’ worth of agricultural statistics online.
In the past, this information, published in the annual bulletin Agricultural Statistics, was available in print form only.

Crops were growing at a steady pace last week and were looking good. However, more rain will be needed to continue this pattern in crop development.
The weather has been favorable for weeds and pests, so spraying was in full swing last week. Precipitation averaged 0.53 inches throughout the state, 0.27 inches below normal. Temperatures across the state averaged 74.9 degrees for the week, 1.5 degrees below normal.
There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork last week.

The Hillsboro Olde-Tyme Tractor Show will be held this weekend at Old Hillsboro Lake Park.
Tractors from 1982 and older are eligible to participate. They can be restored or unrestored.
Also being sought for the show are farm equipment, garden tractors, stationary engines, cars, trucks, pedal tractors and farm-related tools.
There is no entry fee, and all exhibitors will receive a souvenir show button.
Among the demonstrations planned for the Saturday and Sunday show are threshing, silage chopping and bale loading.

Rows of soybeans following the contours of a field west of Vandalia create an artistic pattern as the plants grow.

Area crops vary widely, with some beans only inches tall, while some corn is already in the silk stage. Virtually all crops are planted now, with the exception of bean re-planting in low areas.