Corn planting and field preparation across the Midwest has been slowed bycool, wet weather in late March and the first half of April. While the rain waswelcome as far as supplying needed moisture for the topsoil, the frequency ofthe rain has prevented farmers from getting out in the fields and spreadingfertilizer ahead of planting.Corn planting normally begins in early April from Missouri to southernIllinois. As of April 12, corn planting stands at 2% nationally, compared to anormal of 6%. Locally, Missouri is 5% planted compared to a normal of 24% whileIllinois is 0% compared to a normal of 7%. Overall, planting is 5-10 daysbehind schedule in the Midwest (as of today).
The good news is that an overall drier weather pattern is developing nowwith longer periods of dry weather expected between storms. For example,Missouri will have dry weather today into Friday, before the next period ofrain arrives Saturday. Warmer weather will also help raise soil temperatureswhich will help the corn germinate quicker. If the more favorable patterncontinues into May (and we expect that it will), any early planting delaysshould have little adverse effect on this year's crop.
Story by AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Dale Mohler
