(Southeast Farm Press) – Farmers who had delayed planting corn due to cool, wet conditions hit the fields in force last week, planting enough acres to bring progress within eight points of the five-year average, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released May 20.
As of May 19, 71 percent of projected corn acres had been planted, while only 28 percent was planted a week prior.
While progress lagged behind the five-year average by 37 points last week, the rapid progress closed the gap to only nine points.
“Farmers have the technology and the drive to accomplish more in a week than we could have in three only a few decades ago,” said National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson, a grower in Iowa.
“Last week, we knew we needed a week of drier, warmer weather and, throughout much of the Corn Belt, we got just that.
“Taking shifts and working together, our nation’s family farmers will get the crop planted and work just as tirelessly through harvest to make sure we provide the food, feed and fuel America needs.”
Farmers made significant strides, with progress increasing by more than 50 points in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. The most significant progress was seen in Illinois, which moved ahead by 57 points, with Iowa close behind with 56 points progress. Minnesota corn planting progressed by 52 points during that period.
Kansas, Michigan, Missouri Nebraska and North Dakota all increased planting progress by more than 40 points last week also.
To view the full report released today, click here.
