May 24, 2013
US corn plantings reach 71% despite sluggish start
Steiner Daily Livestock Report says that US corn's total area planted reached 69 million acres, or 71% of the projected total.
After a sluggish start to US corn plantings, last week saw an estimated 43% of the total forecasted crop planted, assisted by a dry period and modern planters with improved planting capacity.
Proceedings may slow slightly for the final 29% due to forecast rain, however, planting are likely to be completed in the coming weeks, projected to total 97.3 million acres.
While there has been on-going speculation that farmers may switch out of corn into soy, evidence remains mixed. There has recently been a rally in soy prices, which may tempt some growers to switch crops; however, logistically it would be quite challenging this late in the planting season.