Planting Progress Surges, Corn Emergence Closer to Average

Corn planting surged even further ahead of the five-year average last week according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 30 percent of total corn acres planted by April 24, progress surpassed the five-year average for this point by 14 percentage points, ten percentage points further ahead of the average than this time one week ago.

Progress surpassed the five-year average by 50 percentage points in Missouri, with Iowa and Minnesota both more than 30 percentage points planted over the five-year average as well. Only Texas lagged behind the five-year average by more than five points.

The USDA also released its first forecast of the percentage of corn emerged this week. While planting ran far ahead of the five-year average, the percentage of the corn crop emerged surpassed the five-year average by only one percentage point. Again, Missouri saw progress the furthest ahead of the average, with 24 percent of corn acres emerged. The state normally sees only ten percent emergence by this point.

Indiana Crop Progress

A warm stretch of weather made soil conditions ideal for planting corn and soybeans, according to Greg Matli, Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The warm and dry weather continued through the middle of the week, allowing farmers to get out in the fields. A rain storm moved in mid-week, leaving soils saturated in some areas. Average temperatures for the week were above normal at 61.0 degrees. Statewide precipitation was 0.83 inches, below normal by 0.12 inches. There were 4.0 days available for fieldwork, during the week ending April 24th, up 1.1 from the previous week.

Wheat jointing was 54% in the North, 68% in Central, and 82% in the South. Wheat headed was 0% in the North, 5% in Central, and 4% in the South. Jointing in winter wheat remains far ahead of last year and the 5 year average due to the mild winter and warm spring temperatures. The boost in temperatures were beneficial for the wheat crop, with 78% in good to excellent condition.

Regionally, corn planted was 7% in the North, 12% in Central, and 18% in the South. While the weather was warm and dry, farmers were able to get into the fields to get a good start on planting corn.

Much of the livestock have been released to pastures, which are looking healthy and are growing well. Calving is also going well across the state. Potato, cantaloupe, mint, and watermelon planting continued throughout the week.