In the top 18 corn-growing states, planting activities are progressing amidst varying weather conditions. According to the May 12 Crop Progress report, several states have reported significant progress in planting their crops, while others face challenges due to unfavorable weather patterns. Notably, six states still have less than half of their corn planted, with Ohio lagging behind the most. South Dakota witnessed a dramatic increase in planting progress, surpassing its five-year average. Meanwhile, North Carolina leads in planting progress, though it remains slightly below historical averages. The emergence of corn is also gaining momentum, with Texas leading the pack and Minnesota showing rapid advancement.
Detailed Insights into Corn Growing Progress
As the planting season unfolds across the United States, specific regions present unique scenarios. In the northern states such as Indiana, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, less than half of the corn crop has been planted. Agronomist Nick Groth from Wisconsin reassures that farmers in his state are not overly concerned yet, emphasizing the need for swift action ahead of anticipated rain. Remarkably, South Dakota experienced an impressive surge in planting, reaching 69% completion by the week ended May 11, significantly higher than previous years.
North Carolina stands out as the leader in planting progress, achieving 86% completion. However, this figure trails behind the five-year average of 92%. Ohio faces the slowest pace among the major growing states, with only 25% of its corn planted, largely due to limited days suitable for fieldwork. Nationally, over a quarter of the U.S. corn crop has emerged, reflecting a steady progression. Texas boasts the highest percentage of emerged corn at 79%, contrasting sharply with Colorado, where only 2% of the crop has surfaced.
States like North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas have crossed the halfway mark in terms of corn emergence, indicating robust growth under favorable conditions. Minnesota saw a substantial leap in corn emergence, rising from 3% to 30% within a week, thanks to unusually warm and dry weather. Minnesota agronomist Tim Dahl notes that while initial stand counts look promising, additional moisture would be beneficial for pre-emergence herbicides.
From a journalistic perspective, this report highlights the resilience and adaptability of American farmers. Despite regional variations and climatic challenges, they continue to make strides in ensuring successful harvests. It underscores the importance of timely weather updates and adaptive farming practices in maintaining agricultural productivity. This information serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in understanding the dynamics of corn cultivation across different terrains and climates.