Emergence of the 2014 corn crop pushed past the five-year average last week, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released today. Despite strong storms with high winds and hail over the past week, the 2014 corn crop condition held nearly steady with 75 percent of all acres rated good or excellent as of June 8. This represents only a one-point decline from the prior week and remains 12 points ahead of the number of acres with the same rating last year at this point.
“Now that the crop has emerged and farmers are seeing it progress, the picture of the overall condition is bright,” said NCGA President Martin Barbre. “While the crop shows promise today, we are keenly aware of the many challenges which might lie ahead as the summer progresses. While many variables exist, one fact is certain. America’s corn farmers are using the best and most sustainable practices and most advanced tools to ensure a successful crop in 2014.”
Corn acres emerged nationally surged ahead by 12 points last week, with 92 percent of total acreage emerged by June 8. While this surpasses the five-year average by only two points, it stands nine points ahead of acreage emerged at this point in 2013. The largest gains in acreage emerged came in states where emergence had lagged previously, with Michigan seeing the largest gain with a 35 point increase in emerged acres during the one-week period.
The second report of the 2014 corn crop condition remained relatively stable, indicating quality superior to that seen in the 2013 crop at this point. With 75 percent of the crop in good or excellent condition and only one percent of corn in very poor condition, early reports continue to suggest a crop of quality superior to that of the record-production seen the year prior. A lingering drought has had an impact on Kansas and Texas, where only 47 percent and 50 percent of the crop, respectively, is rated good or better.
Source : ncga