Corn Planting Hits 100% in These 2 Key States

Corn planting has wrapped up in two of the country’s top-growing states, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report. Both North Carolina and Minnesota reported 100% corn planted as of the week ending June 8.

Considering historical averages, it was expected for one state, but not the other. Here’s a closer look at where things stand now that corn planting is done in these two geographically distinct states.

North Carolina

Farmers in North Carolina pushed corn planting to the finish line the week ending June 8, up from 99% the week prior. The timing of the wrap up was largely expected, as the five-year average for the state is 100%.

Despite 100% corn planting progress, there’s a need for some final touches, according to northwestern North Carolina farmer Kevin Matthews. 

On June 9, Matthews described some river bottom planting that isn’t finished yet, along with some replanting that needs to be done. Both “should be done by end of week, if weather permits,” he said.

Unlike planting, North Carolina’s corn emergence progress was behind the historical trendline as of June 8. Emergence reached 97% the week ending June 8, but the five-year average is 99%. Last year at this time, emergence had reached 98%.

Almost three quarters of North Carolina’s corn was in good-to-excellent condition, and just 6% was rated poor or very poor, according to the USDA report. Overall, corn was rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 21% fair, 61% good, and 12% excellent.

Matthews described consistent rainfall in his area during the week ending June 8: “Storms nearly every day, with heavy rains scattered throughout the River Valley.”

The corn in Matthews’ area looks very good if not saturated, he said. He predicted tasseling to start soon to the east, adding that “several areas are tasseling and firing up due [to] excessive nitrogen losses with the heavy rains.”

Minnesota

With a five-year average of 98%, it was a bit more unexpected that Minnesota’s corn planting would reach 100% by June 8. Yet, farmers have been ahead of the curve all spring. Progress surged in May and has only slowed down in recent weeks as it neared the finish line.

Minnesota agronomist Tim Dahl said on Monday that any replants, which are very few, have wrapped up. “We are on to post-emerge corn herbicide applications across the state here the first week in June,” Dahl said. 

Corn emergence in Minnesota is even further ahead of average than planting. By June 8, emergence had reached 94%, which is 6 points ahead of the five-year average. Last year at this time, only 83% of the crop had emerged, according to USDA.

“The corn crop looks good except for a few isolated areas that got some wild weather (wind and rain),” Dahl said.

USDA rated the crop 2% very poor, 4% poor, 17% fair, 65% good, and 12% excellent.