USDA Crop Progress Report: 47% of Corn Planted.

May 08, 2017

The USDA has released the weekly Crop Progress Report on the estimates on planted acres.

The widespread rainfall and cold cold temperatures in large parts of the U.S. cornbelt last week kept farmers from planting corn and soybean and overall progress is slower than the five year average normal.

As of Sunday, the USDA says 47% of this year’s corn crop is planted, compared to 61% a year ago and the five year average of 52%. 15% has emerged, compared to 19% on average.

14% of soybeans are planted, compared to 21% last year and the usual pace of 17%.

Weather also damaged some of this year’s U.S. winter wheat crop, with 53% rated now good to excellent, down 1% on the week. 50% of winter wheat has headed, compared to 46% on average.

54% of spring wheat is planted, compared to 60% on average, and 21% has emerged, compared to 29% typically this time of year.

63% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent shape, 2% more than a year ago, and most of the U.S. has adequate to surplus soil moisture.

For more information and to find the full USDA Crop Progress report, click the following link.

http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/CropProg/CropProg-05-08-2017.pdf

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.