Majority of the Corn Crop Planted, NCGA Notes (5-8-06)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Crop Progress report released today, the top 18 states for corn production have planted 70 percent of the corn, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) notes. Twenty-five percent of the corn in those states has emerged.

Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas are nearing planting completion, with each state recording more than 90 percent of the corn planted. Most states are near or above last year’s percent planted rate.

North Carolina and Tennessee have the highest emergence percentage at 85 percent and 84 percent, respectively.

NCGA Chairman Leon Corzine, an Assumption, Ill. farmer, has planted all of his corn fields and is looking forward to a great crop.

“Everything during planting went well, and we’re looking forward to another good season,” said Corzine. “I’ve always said you have to be optimistic to be a farmer. We plant with the intention of planting a good crop, and so far, around here, the crop is off to a good start. That’s good news production wise and good news for the country. Our growers continue to improve our production efficiencies, use less tillage and have fewer inputs per bushel.”

In 2005, U.S. farmers produced the second largest crop on record, hauling in 11.112 billion bushels. In 2004, farmers produced the largest crop ever recorded, taking in 11.8 billion bushels.

The Crop Progress report is available here.