May 23, 2012

US 2012 corn acreage with 96% completion

The USDA report released Monday (May 21) stated that 2012 planting season is almost over, with 96% of US corn acres already planted.

In addition, the report indicated the crop appears to be progressing well with 76% of corn acres emerged and 77% of the crop in good to excellent condition.

"This year, it seems every week that passes brings additional indicators that, if the corn crop stays on course, we will see an unparalleled harvest this fall," said National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer.

"Farmers persevered through difficult weather conditions for two years. This year, we hope the weather will provide us with the opportunity to provide an abundance of corn for food, feed, fuel and fibre that will exceed even the growing global demand."

Planting progressed quickly this year, currently exceeding the five-year average by 15 points. Only three states, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, that had more than 10% of corn acres left to plant as of Sunday, May 20.

Emergence exceeded the five-year trend by 28 points with 76% of corn acres emerged to date. With USDA estimates placing 77% of the corn crop's quality at good to excellent and forecasts still projecting a record number of acres planted to corn, US corn farmers remain on track to provide the largest corn harvest on record.