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The latest USDA crop progress report showed US maize planting pace was the slowest since 1995.
The report outlines that just under half of the nation’s maize crop (49%) is in the ground.
This falls well below the five-year average of 80%.
Wet weather
Once again, the key maize-producing states around the country are being hardest hit with wet weather, while northern states have had to contend with snow showers and hail.
Planting progress stands at just 14% in Indiana, 56% in Minnesota and 24% in Illinois, for example.
All of these states remain well behind their five-year averages.
Weather forecast
With the weather forecasted to be cool and wet over the next five days, the risk of losing maize acres and yield is increasing.
Many growers have bogged machinery when attempting to plant, with some crops now requiring re-sowing.
As for soya beans, which are typically planted later in the year, just 19% of the crop is now in the ground.
This is around 28% off the average pace.
How has this effected markets?
Read the full analysis on the price improvements and implications for reduced US maize area in this Thursday’s Irish Farmers Journal.
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