Pace Of Planting Slows

Widespread rain over the corn belt has slowed planting progress.

The recent rains sapped the momentum that dry weather had generated for farmers, which had planted faster than average in April.

Nationally, 36 percent of the corn crop is in the ground, in line with the five year average.

The pace of planting slowed in Iowa, which now has 36 percent of the corn crop in the ground, which is 19 points ahead of average. Corn planting in Ohio is 14 points ahead of average.

Rain in Nebraska and Illinois have pushed corn planting in those states over 17 points behind the 5 year average.

Due to a dry April, Ohio is still 10 points ahead of schedule, but consistent rain may put farmers behind. Neighboring Indiana is nine points behind average, while Nebraska is 10 points slow.

The majority of the annual corn and soybean crops are planted in three week windows, which vary from state to state. 

The Midwest has seen rainfall increase 5 to 15 percent since 1995, with Ohio experiencing a loss of five April field work days over the last 30 years. The region is expected to see rainfall increase 8 to 20 percent over the next 25 years.

For Market to Market, I’m Peter Tubbs