Corn planting has picked up, with 33% of Missouri’s corn in the ground compared to just 9% a week ago. Six percent of the corn has emerged, which is about 2% ahead of average. Fifteen percent of Missouri’s soybeans are planted. That’s far ahead of the 6% five-year average, and 10% ahead of last week.…… Continue Reading
South Dakota small grains planting pass halfway
South Dakota farmers are making progress on planting amid very dry conditions. The USDA says seven percent of the corn is planted, ahead of this time last year and the five-year average. Oats are 59 percent planted, and spring wheat is at 50 percent. Winter wheat is rated 31 percent poor to very poor, with…… Continue Reading
Kentucky farmers advance planting pace, but still trail last year
Kentucky farmers have made significant planting progress over the last week, but are still running well behind last year’s levels. Corn is 12 percent planted, a 9-point jump from last week, but is still running 9 percent behind last year and 11 percent behind the 5-year average. Soybean planting is 7 percent complete, a 5…… Continue Reading
IRFA says Trump admin needs to issue nationwide E15 waiver
The head of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says he’s hopeful the U.S. EPA will soon issue a nationwide waiver that allows all states to sell E15 this summer. Monte Shaw says eight Midwestern states are already able to sell the fuel this summer driving season. “Even though we’re okay in Iowa to sell it…… Continue Reading
Weekend rains slow planting pace in Iowa
An extension agronomist says the planting season has been in full swing across Iowa. Meaghan Anderson with Iowa State University says, “All field operations have been happening all at once and across fence lines from each other.” She tells Brownfield some activity has slowed down due to widespread rains over the weekend. “It’s good to…… Continue Reading
Tennessee farmers make good planting progress
Warm weather has helped improve crops and planting conditions in Tennessee. The USDA says 25 percent of corn, 15 percent of soybeans, and two percent of cotton is planted. Winter wheat is rated 70 percent good to excellent, with 80 percent of the crop jointed and 22 percent headed. Pastures continue to improve with 59…… Continue Reading
Corn half planted, first crop hay begins in Arkansas
Arkansas farmers have passed the halfway point for planting corn. USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service says as of Sunday, 62% of the Arkansas corn is now in the ground. That’s up 20% from last week, behind last year, but well ahead of the five-year average. Forty percent of the corn has already emerged, which is…… Continue Reading
Planting progress jumps in Illinois
The USDA says Illinois farmers made significant planting progress last week. Ken Franklin grows corn and soybeans in Christian County. “I think we’re pretty happy with where we’re at.” He says, “You know, we’re sitting here right now for us about 2/3 done with beans and probably 1/3 with corn, but just kind of a…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures lower to start the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower ahead of the week’s direct business. Markets were also pressured by weakness in the broader markets. June live cattle closed $.32 lower at $203.75, and August live cattle closed $.12 lower at $200. May feeder cattle closed $1.32 lower at $295.52 and August feeder…… Continue Reading
Nebraska corn planting picks up pace
A northeast Nebraska farmer says planting is off to a great start. Quentin Connealy tells Brownfield he started corn and soybean planting mid-week last week and soil temperatures are in good shape. “We’re pretty close to 60 degrees in the ground and had some good warm days, but Friday and Saturday we’re real cold around…… Continue Reading
