Some Ahead, Some Behind, Among Cornbelt States In Corn Planting
The 2012 corn crop is off and running, particularly in Illinois where over 2 acres out of 5 have been planted as of mid-April. Other states are behind that pace, but their corn may not have been hurt by the frost and sub-freezing temperatures that stretched across the Cornbelt last week. As of Sunday, 17% of corn is planted nationally, up 10% on the week and 12% ahead of both last year and the five year average pace. Overall, Tennessee is the furthest along at 80% while Illinois leads Cornbelt states with 41% planted. Where is the rest of corn that has been planted, and how is the soil moisture shortage?
Posted by Stu Ellis on 04/18 at 02:08 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink
The 2012 Rural Economic Belt: Tighter or Looser?
Global demand for farm commodities and higher commodity prices marked the 2011 economy, and additional economic gains are in the picture for 2012. But there is a qualifier on that, and for rural Americans to enjoy continued prosperity, it will depend on how strong the rest of the US economy gets.
Posted by Stu Ellis on 04/15 at 11:37 PM | (0) Comments | Permalink
Global And Domestic Wheat Stocks Will Be Plentiful
It seems like there is always a headline about wheat. “It’s a drought.” “Planting delayed by wetness.” “Cold and dry in the Black Sea region.” “Frozen wheat heads turning brown.” “European wheat frozen out.” But now, the USDA reports there is such a good crop coming on that wheat will be cheaper than corn and will do more to supply livestock with feed. So what is the story?
Posted by Stu Ellis on 04/13 at 12:51 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink
USDA’s April Supply-Demand Report Shows Unexpected Dynamics In Corn
With a short crop in South America and consumption at a faster pace than earlier reported, it would have been natural to think that USDA would reduce the corn carryout at the end of the marketing year. But a couple of surprising dynamics stepped in to sway the crop statisticians in another direction, and the April Supply Demand Report remained unchanged from March. But what could possibly have interceded?
Posted by Stu Ellis on 04/11 at 01:13 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink
Corn Profitability Is A Function Of Planting Rate And Depth
Is your corn up and soaking in the sunshine, or is it struggling to emerge and has a stressed and ragged appearance? Even emergence means every plant has the same chance to succeed, but uneven emergence means first up and out will have a better chance at nutrients and never be shaded like the last up and out seedlings. Getting your crop off to a good start means a better chance at higher yield and higher profitability, if that is where you want to be.
Posted by Stu Ellis on 04/09 at 01:05 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink