Cool, Wet Weather Delays Plantings

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF)Economist Terry Francl said cool and wet spring weather across much of the eastern Corn Belt has delayed planting in many states which could mean a drop of as much as 2 million acres in corn acreage this year. As of May 10, corn planting was only 48% complete, compared to the five-year average of 71%.

“Analysts are currently thinking corn-planted acreage may be reduced by up to 1 million acres. If the rain delays and cool weather continue for another week or two, acreage could drop by as much as 1.5 million to 2 million acres,” Francl said. “Most of those acres will be shifted to soybeans.”

Francl said the Agriculture Department’s May World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) showed no adjustment in corn-planted acreage, despite the planting delays. The May WASDE pegs corn planting at 85 million acres.

Francl said the May WASDE report suggests tighter supplies for all major crops for the current crop year and the next crop year than previously anticipated.