USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released its weekly Crop Progress report Monday, showing U.S. corn planted at 50 percent. When compared to last year’s progress at this time of 20 percent planted, it seems the weather adversities U.S. growers experienced is a driving factor in this year’s progress.
“People remember what happened with the weather last year. It just rained and rained and rained and we never had the opportunity to plant. This year we got warm weather early and had no interruption for at least 10 days. This lets a lot of work get done fast,� said Wendell Shauman, U.S. Grains Council treasurer representing Illinois Corn Marketing Board. “It’s early, things can happen, but we’re off to a good start.�
States with most notable differences in progress include Illinois, reported at 73 percent planted compared to last year’s 4 percent; Indiana, reported at 56 percent planted compared to last year’s 2 percent; and Missouri, reported at 69 percent planted compared to last year’s 24 percent.
USDA’s April World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates projected U.S. corn planted at 86.5 million bushels, which, if realized, could be another record crop.
U.S. barley growers are also ahead of schedule with 35 percent reported planted, compared to the 16 percent planted last year at this time and the 27 percent five-year average.
“Last year we didn’t get into the field until the eighth of May. This year is a 180 degree difference. Some farmers are already done seeding barley, which makes us very happy,� said Jim Broten, USGC past chairman representing North Dakota Barley Council. “Right now, we’re actually hoping for rain, but overall the crops are going in excellent and conditions are great, which makes an enjoyable season.�
Sorghum planting is right on schedule with Arizona, Louisiana and Texas showing the most significant percentage planted.