Warmer, drier weather is helping Wisconsin farmers finally get planters moving across the state – but they’ve still got some catching up to do. It’s not just Wisconsin where planting’s off to a slow start. As of Sunday the National Ag Statistical Service estimates that only 30 percent of the expected corn acreage had been planted as of Sunday, less than half the five-year average of 66 percent. This is the fourth slowest planting of corn since 1980, according to Allendale Inc. analyst Rich Nelson. “This is a serious concern here for us.” This year is shaping up much like 2013, when 28 percent of the corn had been planted at this point. About 2 percent of the expected corn acreage was shifted into other crops. That would be the equivalent of nearly 1.9 million acres this year, Nelson says. Only 11 percent of the expected corn acreage has been planted in Illinois this spring (down from an average of 82 percent, and only 6 percent in Indiana, (down from an average of 57 percent). Soybean planting is well behind as well. Just nine percent has been planted, compared to the average at this point of 29 percent.
In Wisconsin as of May 12, spring tillage was 41 percent complete statewide, 2 days behind last year and 8 days behind the 5 year average. Corn planting was 14 percent complete, 7 days behind last year and 11 days behind the average. Only 1 percent of the corn had emerged. Four percent of soybeans were planted, 9 days behind the average. Winter wheat was 45 percent in good to excellent condition statewide, unchanged from last week. Oats planted were reported as 41 percent complete, even with last year but 11 days behind the average. Nineteen percent of oats had emerged, 2 days ahead of last year but 8 days behind the average. Potato planting was reported as 59 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year but 4 days behind of the average. All hay condition was reported 36 percent in good to excellent condition. Pasture condition was rated 41 percent in good to excellent condition, up 5 percentage points from last week. Wisconsin Crop Progress and Condition will publish this year’s alfalfa winterkill estimates on Monday, May 20.
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