Corn Planting on Track at 16% Complete

April 27, 2015

With a few days of warmer weather, corn planting progressed from 5% last week to 16% in the ground as of Sunday. This was comparable with last year's 16% and the five-year average of 17%, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Southwestern, central and, northeastern areas remained mostly dry for the week ending April 26, allowing for field work and planting in some areas. Temperatures were below normal across the eastern two-thirds of the State, while near normal elsewhere. Planting progress was slow due to cool soil temperatures. 

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 25% short, 64% adequate, and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 11% very short, 27% short, 60% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Winter wheat condition rated 14% very poor, 18% poor, 31% fair, 35% good, and 2% excellent. Seventeen percent of the crop had reached jointing, ahead of 4% last year, but near the average of 21%.

Sorghum planting was at 1%, near 2% last year and equal to the average.

Oat condition rated 1% very poor, 8% poor, 29% fair, 61% good, and 1% excellent. Oats planted was at 95% complete, ahead of 88% last year and the average of 81%. Seventy percent of the crop had emerged, ahead of 55% last year and the average of 44%.

View the national USDA NASS tables for planting progress and crop condition.