USDA Update
The latest Crop Progress Report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) highlights just how far behind planting and emergence are this year. Of the 18 states that planted 92 percent of the 2018 corn acreage, only 67 percent of corn has been planted so far this year compared to the 2014–2018 average of 96 percent. Of the corn acres planted, only 46 percent have emerged — 38 percent behind the average at this time in 2018.
Of the 18 states that planted 95 percent of the soybean acreage in 2018, only 39 percent of soybeans have been planted to date. The 2014–2018 average for this time of year is 79 percent, and last year at this time we had 86 percent of the soybean crop in. Of soybeans emerged, we’re 46 percent behind last year’s percentage and 37 percent behind the 2014–2018 average, with only 19 percent of soybeans emerged so far this year.
States seeing the biggest slowdown in planting are Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota. In Indiana, both corn and soybean planting are 63 percent behind their 2014–2018 averages. In Illinois, corn planting is 53 percent behind and soybean planting is 63 percent behind the average. In South Dakota, soybeans are 68 percent behind compared to the average and corn is still 52 percent behind. In Ohio, corn planting is 57 percent behind schedule and soybean planting is 58 percent behind.
Stine Update
Probably the number one reason we’re seeing this slowdown in these regions is related to the soil type and the precipitation received. Many growers have been able to get crops in on their better grounds, but their more difficult grounds (clay soils, for example), are still holding a lot of water, making it difficult to finish planting. We’re also seeing a lot of flooding in areas like Missouri and Arkansas, where rainfall from the north has made its way down the Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, causing major flooding and forcing growers out of some fields while completely wiping out others.
“It’s a frustrating time. Right when growers around the Midwest start seeing a drying trend, allowing for some field work to ramp up, more thunderstorms and rain appear in the forecast. We seem to make it two steps forward and one step back in the drying process,” notes Stine Corn Technical Agronomist Mike Smith. “We’ve gotten to that place where growers are beginning to have those worst-case-scenario discussions. Conversations are quickly turning to changing soybean maturities or swapping out corn for a cover crop to get something in the soil this year.”
In the southern regions, soybeans are still OK to be planted at their normal maturities through mid-July. Consider an earlier maturity soybean as you move north because the annual frost dates can play a role in a variety's ability to mature in time for full yield potential.
Before making any changes in your field this year, consult with your local Stine sales representative to discuss your options.