With 96 percent of corn in the ground nationwide, farmers are well above the five-year average of 81 percent and last year’s pace of 75 percent. Corn conditions are exceptional when compared to last year with 77 percent rated in “good” to “excellent” condition, as compared to 63 percent rated in these conditions on May 31, 2011. Soybean planting also is progressing rapidly with 76 percent of soybeans in the ground, which is ahead national average of 42 percent and last year’s report of 35 percent.
Now that the 2012 planting season is wrapping up, drought fears are heating up. Some areas of Iowa are in a moderate drought already while nearly the entire state of Minnesota is abnormally dry, according to the U.S. drought monitor. Many later planted seeds are lying in dry soil while the early planted fields are sporting seedlings in need of a drink. A growing “heat dome” is expected to spread around the mid-South and Corn Belt in the next week, according to a recent article on agriculture.com by Jeff Caldwell. The heat will only add existing crop stress. Rain is needed soon, so crop conditions can remain in good to excellent condition.
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