Time Running Out For US Spring Wheat Plantings
Time is running out for US farmers to get their spring wheat plantings done. With just 50% of the crop in the ground as of last Sunday, compared to 90% normally, it will be interesting to see exactly how much progress has been made this week.
That is particularly true of the top-producing state of North Dakota, which had just 31% of the crop in the ground Sunday, compared to 87% normally.
Allendale say that "estimates are now 1-3 million acres will never get in" nationally.
Certainly there are quite a few things that will be running through farmers' minds at the moment. Wheat planted this late in soggy conditions will probably see yields adversely affected. In addition the generally accepted "deadline" for spring wheat seeding is May 31st.
Critically, this is also the deadline for growers to apply for full crop insurance coverage, crops sown after this date will pay out less insurance money if farmers need to file a claim.
It will not have escaped growers' notice that Chicago soybeans are pushing their highest levels since September either. Maybe the wet April/May has provided a window of opportunity? Certainly, soybeans have a proven track record in planting in soggy conditions if last year was anything to go by.
That is particularly true of the top-producing state of North Dakota, which had just 31% of the crop in the ground Sunday, compared to 87% normally.
Allendale say that "estimates are now 1-3 million acres will never get in" nationally.
Certainly there are quite a few things that will be running through farmers' minds at the moment. Wheat planted this late in soggy conditions will probably see yields adversely affected. In addition the generally accepted "deadline" for spring wheat seeding is May 31st.
Critically, this is also the deadline for growers to apply for full crop insurance coverage, crops sown after this date will pay out less insurance money if farmers need to file a claim.
It will not have escaped growers' notice that Chicago soybeans are pushing their highest levels since September either. Maybe the wet April/May has provided a window of opportunity? Certainly, soybeans have a proven track record in planting in soggy conditions if last year was anything to go by.