Corn Planting Ahead Of Last Year

Corn planting has pulled ahead of a year ago, but continues to trail the five year average, AgriMarketing reports. Five percent of the crop has been sown nationally, up 1% from a year ago but 9% slower than average.

Planting conditions have been mixed, allowing some farmers to make good progress, but keeping others out of the field completely. The farthest along is Missouri at 7%; however, the five year average is 42%. Out of the 18 primary production states, only Wisconsin at 1% is at or ahead of its five year average.

Spring wheat planting continues to move slower than normal due to widespread flooding in the Northern Plains, with sowing at 6%, compared to 21% for the five year average. For winter wheat, 14% of the crop had headed, compared to 12% on average. The crop is in 43% good to excellent condition, compared to 42% a week ago.