Indiana Crop Planting Ahead of Five-Year Averages due to Favorable Conditions

Friday, May 31, 2013

According to the latest USDA Crop Progress Report, corn and soybean planting in Indiana are now ahead of five-year averages to date, much in part due to continued favorable planting conditions throughout the month of May.

Following weeks of planting delays due to heavy rainfall in April, farmers have increased production in May, now having 86% of the intended corn acreage in the ground, which has surpassed the five-year average (77%) for the first time this year. Bob Nielsen, Purdue Extension corn specialist, explains weather isn’t the only reason planting rates have jumped as of late. Larger agricultural equipment, including planters, used by today’s farmers, also allow for faster planting, he noted. "The combination of favorable soil conditions and today's high-capacity field equipment allowed Indiana corn growers to plant 78 percent of the state's corn crop during the past three weeks," he said.

Soybeans, which are typically planted after corn, have also experienced a jump in planted acreage. As of May 19, just 30% of soybean acreage had been planted, however, the latest USDA report shows 60% has now been planted, ahead of the 49% five-year average.

With just a few weeks left in the corn planting season, the latest USDA report shows planted acreage in Indiana has surpassed five-year averages for the first time this year. More than half of soybean acreage has been planted to date, which is also ahead of five-year averages, indicating planting conditions in the state have begun to turn around after weeks of heavy rain.