2015 Corn Planting Off To A Slow, Wet Start

U.S. corn planting was off to a slow start again in 2015. That's according to the latest crop progress report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With only two percent of total corn acres planted by April 12, progress lags behind the five-year average for this point by three percentage points and one percentage point behind of where it sat at this time in 2014.

 

 

"Corn planting has seen a slow, wet start in many places this year," said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling. "But, it is important to keep in mind that last year planting season started off slowly, and we harvest a record corn crop in the fall. Farmers realize that the planting season has only just begun, and a long growing season, which may present opportunities and obstacles, still lies ahead."

 

Progress surpassed the five-year average in only one of the top 18 corn-producing states, Kansas, which exceeded average planting progress by six percentage points. Southern states which would have normally seen the most progress by this point continue to lag with Texas, Missouri and Tennessee 8, 11 and 18 points behind the five-year average respectively.

 

Prior to the beneficial rainfall, the condition of the Oklahoma wheat crop dropped drastically. The latest crop weather report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture had the crop down seven points in the good to excellent category over the past week. USDA rated the crop 36 percent good to excellent, 38 percent fair and 26 percent in poor to very poor condition. Winter wheat jointing reached 89 percent by Sunday, up 13 points from the previous year and up 8 points from normal. The canola crop was rated 56 percent fair to good. Seedbed preparation for corn, sorghum, soybeans and cotton was underway. Pasture and range conditions rated 71 percent good to fair. 

 

Recent rains continued to progress the winter wheat crop in Texas. In the latest USDA report, the winter wheat rated 52 percent good to excellent, 36 percent fair and 9 percent poor to very poor condition and 22 percent of the crop was headed. Some wheat growers have reported issues with rust. Spring planting remained behind last year and the five year average. Corn planting reached 46 percent complete with planting delayed in the east due to wet field conditions. Sorghum planting was 39 percent complete.