The 2012 corn crop is off and running, particularly in Illinois where over 2 acres out of 5 have been planted as of mid-April. Other states are behind that pace, but their corn may not have been hurt by the frost and sub-freezing temperatures that stretched across the Cornbelt last week. As of Sunday, 17% of corn is planted nationally, up 10% on the week and 12% ahead of both last year and the five year average pace. Overall, Tennessee is the furthest along at 80% while Illinois leads Cornbelt states with 41% planted. Where is the rest of corn that has been planted, and how is the soil moisture shortage?
The pace of corn planting in Illinois continued in road gear during the past week, with 41% of corn planted and 11% of that emerged. That is up from 17% planted a week earlier—and compares to 6% for the 5 year average. 2% of the Illinois soybeans have been planted. Topsoil moisture was rated at 3 percent very short, 24% short, 61% adequate, and 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated at 32% short, 60% adequate.
In Indiana, 24% of the intended corn acreage has been planted compared with 2% for both last year and the 5-year average. 3% of corn acreage has emerged. 5% of the soybean crop has been planted. For soil moisture, 27% is short and 57% is adequate, with 70% of the subsoil having adequate moisture and 20% short.
In Iowa, 5% of Iowa’s corn acreage has been planted compared with 1% at this time last year and the five year average of 3%. Soybeans have not been planted yet. Topsoil moisture levels improved to 6% very short, 21% short, 66% adequate, and 7% surplus. 53% of the subsoil moisture is adequate and 31% is short.
In Michigan, crop statisticians say corn was being planted only on light ground and on a limited basis. 5% was estimated to be planted, compared with 3% last week and 1% for the five year average. Soil moisture was rated at 65% adequate and 24% short, with 75% of the subsoil having adequate moisture.
Minnesota reports 7% of the corn being planted, compared to none at this time last year and 2% for the 5 year average. 27% of the intended corn acres had been prepared for planting along with land for 8% of the soybean acres. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 14 percent very short, 34% short, 49% adequate, and Subsoil moisture supplies were rated, 48% short, and 34% adequate.
Missouri farmers have 39% of their corn planted, with 11% of it emerged. Soybean planting has begun throughout the state. Topsoil moisture is rated 71% adequate and 20% surplus, with fieldwork about 33 days ahead of normal.
In Nebraska 4% of the corn has been planted, compared to 1% last week and the 5 year average. No soybeans have been planted. Topsoil moisture is rated at 67% adequate and 21% short, with 44% of the subsoil having adequate moisture, but 41% being short.
North Dakota farmers are reporting 3% of corn being planted, compared to none being planted either last year or for the 5 year average. No soybeans have been planted yet. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 9% very short, 20%, 58% adequate, and 13% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 13% short, 74% adequate, and 12% surplus.
In Ohio, as of April 15th, corn planting was 10% complete, compared to 2% last week and 1% for the five-year average. No corn was reported to have emerged, nor any soybeans planted. The topsoil was reported as 73% adequate and 17% short.
In South Dakota, 4% of the corn has been planted, compared to 2% last week and 1% for the 5 year average. No corn is reported emerged. No soybeans are reported planted. Soil moisture is reported 70% adequate and 18% short, with 61% of the subsoil having adequate moisture.
Wisconsin farmers report that corn was 2% planted this week compared to none last year and none for the 5-year average. Reporters noted that most producers are holding off planting corn due to low soil temperatures, crop insurance dates, and continued frost danger. No soybeans reported to have been planted, but 32% of the spring tillage had been completed. Soil moisture was reported at 61% adequate and 29% short.
Summary:
Other than 41% of the corn being planted in Illinois and 39% in Missouri, most Cornbelt states are more in line with typical planting dates. Soil moisture ratings indicated sufficient moisture to get the crop started for the spring, but there is more soil that is short of moisture than having surplus moisture.