Corn Planting Progress Sketchy

May 9, 2001

USDA released its weekly crop progress report indicating that corn planting is slightly ahead of the five-year average. While the report indicates an estimated 58% of the crop is in the ground, it also points out major regional disparity in planting progress, according to the National Corn Growers Association.

The eastern and central Corn Belt is well ahead of average. Illinois and Indiana lead Corn Belt states with 91% and 90% complete, respectively. Corn planting in Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin roughly is on pace with their five-year average. "However, the report clearly points out that the northern and western Corn Belt are falling behind," said NCGA.

Corn planting in Colorado is only 35% complete, South Dakota is 13% and North Dakota is 10% finished. "Nowhere is the disparity more obvious as in Minnesota," NCGA said. Based on the five-year average Minnesota, corn planting should be two-thirds complete. However, because of flooding and an abnormally wet spring, only 7% of Minnesota corn was planted as of May 6.

Weather will continue to be crucial during the next 7 to 10 days. The dry weather that allowed corn planting in Missouri, Illinois and the eastern Corn Belt to get ahead of pace, is starting to raise concerns about a possible drought, NCGA cautioned. "Likewise, if the wet conditions in the northern Corn Belt don't abate soon, corn acreage may begin to decline below earlier estimates. While this could strengthen the corn market it would do so at the expense of soybeans."