Corn
Growers on Track for a Good Year, NCGA Notes (6-20-05)
The National Corn
Growers Association (NCGA) notes that corn growers are on pace for
a good season, despite some early weather problems in northern states
and recent dryness in some Midwestern states. According to a June
12 report by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),
94 percent of the crop is in a fair, good or excellent condition.
“Some of
the northern states were damp and cool early, resulting in some emergence
problems,” Max Starbuck, director of livestock and economic
analysis at NCGA, said. “We’re still looking good, as
a general rule.”
Minnesota, North
Dakota and South Dakota experienced frequent rain throughout May and
early June. Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio received little rain
during the same period and are in a slight drought. Iowa farmer Bill
Horan said Iowa seems to be in the middle of each extreme.
“It’s
an above-average crop, but it was slowed by cold weather,” said
Horan. “In some places it’s too wet. In others, it’s
too dry. It really differs from township to township.”
Eighteen states
report statistics. The average conditions in those states are:
Data may be obtained
by clicking here.
Starbuck said
the USDA hasn’t changed its expectations for a good crop.
“I think
an important thing to point out is that there are 81.4 million acres
planted, and in the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates,
the USDA did not change its expectations,” Starbuck said. “It’s
still very early. We’ve got a long way to go and prospects for
another national trend yield or above looks good. Weather is the one
unanswered key.”
The NASS releases
its crop progress report every Wednesday.