USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reports that as of May 1, 45 percent of corn is planted and eight percent of soybeans are in the ground. This comes from data compiled from 18 states, which represented 93 percent of corn acres and 95 percent of soybean acres in 2015.
While Plant 16 appears to be ahead of schedule, a week of wet weather across the Midwest at the end of April resulted in a slowdown for some growers. Here’s what a few Stine RSAs say about progress in their regions:
Region 1 — RSA Justin Oden (Central Minnesota/West Central Wisconsin)
Really warm weather early on had farmers in the field earlier than normal this spring, but they were halted when the weather turned cold and wet for nearly a week. With the cold temperatures and rain, soil temperatures remain below desired conditions for planting. Growers in Region 1 have done a good job this week waiting for fields to dry out before jumping back in the tractor. Those who are patient and wait for the soil to dry are less likely to see issues such as sidewall compaction.
Region 4 — RSA Todd Schomburg (Northwest/North Central Iowa)
In the southern part of Region 4, about 90 percent of corn has been planted with less than five percent of soybeans in the ground. As you move north and west in Region 4, the percentages drop with around 50 percent of corn planted and no soybeans in as of the beginning of May.
Region 14 — RSA Kevin Ryan (Mid-South Delta)
Even though it rained for nearly a week, planting progress is probably ahead of the yearly average in Region 14. Corn is 95 percent planted, including replants from excess water damage (flooding) or frost from early planting. Soybeans are varied across the region, ranging from 10–50 percent planted. There are a lot of soybeans yet to be planted, and growers are ready to go as soon as it dries up. We’ve seen some cutworms in soybeans, which is surprising. The corn that isn’t under water is looking really good.
Region 16 — RSA Bill Kessinger (North Central Indiana, Southwestern Indiana, Northwestern Ohio)
We’ve been off to a good start in Region 16. Many areas had a big week of planting a few weeks ago and planted a lot of corn and some soybeans. It has been rainy and cooler since, but no major storms have dumped a lot of rain. We are in fairly good shape so far. I would say 70 percent of corn is planted and 20 percent of soybeans are planted in Region 16. The long-range forecast looks good for about another week.