Spring Planting Progress Off To A Good Start

It's officially spring and many growers are gearing up to begin planting. But as most of the U.S. isn't quite ready to put seed in the ground, one state is already off to the races.

According to USDA's first weekly crop progress report of the season, Texas has already completed planting on 57% of corn acres.

Some growers in the state even report having completed their farm's corn planting for the year.

Other states sharing corn planting progress include Illinois (1%), Kansas (2%), Kentucky (2%), Missouri (2%) and Tennessee (2%). Overall, the U.S. is 2% done planting corn acres — slightly ahead of the five-year-average of 1%. 

One of the Illinois farmers already making progress shares his views from the field.

At the same time, another grower in Illinois reports much of his region is doing tillage in preparation for the main event.

Though it would delay getting in the field, many states are in need of rain before making more progress.

This Kentucky farmer shares a look at some of those dry conditions. 

Luckily, there's good news in the forecast with significant rain ahead for a large part of the Corn Belt.

 

Latest News

Canadian Rail Strike Potential Next Month
Canadian Rail Strike Potential Next Month

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Ltd. is preparing for the possibility of a strike by some 3,300 workers next month, as the clock ticks toward a negotiation deadline.

AgDay Markets Now: Shawn Hackett says Winter Wheat Was Due for a Correction
AgDay Markets Now: Shawn Hackett says Winter Wheat Was Due for a Correction

Shawn Hackett, Hackett Financial Advisors says wheat finally saw profit taking on Monday and was due for a correction. Soybeans ended slightly higher, pushed by meal.

Labor Department Finalizes Rule for H-2A Ag Worker Program
Labor Department Finalizes Rule for H-2A Ag Worker Program

The Department of Labor finalized a new rule for agricultural workers in the U.S. under the H-2A visa program, which will take effect on June 28.

Crop Planting Progress Surges As Spring Warms Up Soil
Crop Planting Progress Surges As Spring Warms Up Soil

So far, 12 states out of the 18 total reporting acres of corn planted are ahead of the five year average.  

Wheat, Corn and Cattle Take a Breather, While Soybeans Rally with Meal
Wheat, Corn and Cattle Take a Breather, While Soybeans Rally with Meal

Winter wheat sees some profit taking Monday pulling down corn. While Shawn Hackett, Hackett Financial Advisors says soybeans follow meal higher. Profit taking in cattle. And what's driving the rally in metals?

Ferrie: With Poor Quality A Concern, Hold Back Some Seed Corn
Ferrie: With Poor Quality A Concern, Hold Back Some Seed Corn

Ken Ferrie says 37% of seed corn samples he's reviewed fall below good quality levels; 11% fall into the poor category. He advises retaining 2 lb. of each questionable lot until stand establishment can be evaluated.