Farmers made big progress planting corn in the week ending on Sunday April 24. The USDA reports that on the national scene, 30 percent of the corn is in the ground.

Based on the five year average of 16 percent, corn planting is way ahead of schedule. That progress will be needed to offset the slowdown due to rains happening in the following week.

Last year at this time, corn planting was 16 percent complete. Although planting came to a stop in many areas because of rain, farmers welcome the plentiful precipitation.

Minnesota is at the second highest percentage of corn planted on record by this time at 45 percent. Iowa is pacing high at 40 percent.

South Dakota is six percent done. That is slightly behind the five year average of seven percent completed by this time.

Farmers are advised to be patient with the wet fields. Going out to plant before the field is ready can cause soil compaction that will later affect root development.


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