Despite the optimistic outlook for the 2013 planting season, a recent report shows row crop producers, especially corn, are off to a slow start with regard to 2013 planting.
The latest USDA report (PDF) shows corn planting to date trails 2012 numbers across the majority of the largest corn-producing states. Just 2% of 2013’s corn has been planted across 18 states that were responsible for 92% of 2012’s corn acreage, compared to 16% at this time in 2012. Half of these large corn producing states have reported zero corn planting production to this point, including Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In Missouri, corn planting has been delayed due to the cold soil temperature, a problem most corn producing mid-western states could be facing.
At this time in 2012, Illinois had 38% of its corn planted, and currently has reported just 1% has been planted. Other states far behind last year’s pace include Kentucky (7% vs. 55% in 2012) and Tennessee (11% vs. 75% in 2012).
A recent article posted on AgWeb explained the optimistic outlook about the 2013 planting prior to the latest USDA report. “World corn production may climb 9 percent in the 2013-14 crop year, with the U.S. harvest predicted to rise as much as 30 percent, the International Grains Council said yesterday. Global corn stockpiles may jump 19 percent from a 16-year low expected at the end of the 2012-13 crop year, as output rises faster than consumption, the council said.”
According to a recent USDA report, corn planting is off to a slow start this year, as many of the leading corn-producing states have not yet begun planting.