Western Corn Belt Makes Massive Gains in Crop Progress Report
Last week’s USDA crop progress report showed the country was behind on planting, and this week farmers are back on track after making major gains.
Field conditions are mixed across the heart of the Corn Belt. In northern Indiana, some locations are now fit to plant while others are still wet with ponds of standing water.
Planting momentum increased across large parts of the Midwest following improved weather conditions and less torrential rains.
The USDA says 71 percent of the nation’s corn is planted, one point ahead of the five-year average.
On the state level, huge gains were made in the western Corn Belt. Iowa jumped 33 points in one week’s time with 85 percent planted. Nebraska pushed 30 points higher and Minnesota soared by 49 points.
One third of the corn crop has emerged, five points behind average.
32 percent of the soybean crop is in the ground, right on pace with the five-year average. The eastern Corn Belt states are behind in soybean planting, but western states are now ahead.
The cotton crop is four-points behind the five-year average with 33 percent of the crop planted. Texas had 24 percent of their crop planted and Mississippi has 51 percent planted.
