As corn planting season kicks off across the United States, farmers in three of the nation’s leading corn-producing states have yet to start planting. According to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), corn planting is already underway in 15 of the top corn-growing states, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s corn acreage.
North Dakota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, however, are among the states that have not yet begun planting corn for the 2024 season. Despite favorable weather conditions in some areas, farmers in these states have faced challenges that have delayed planting progress.
North Dakota, a key agricultural state, is expected to plant approximately 3.8 million acres of corn this year, according to USDA’s Prospective Plantings report. However, as of the week ending April 21, no corn planting had been reported in the state. Typically, North Dakota farmers begin fieldwork around April 22, but wet conditions may have hampered early planting efforts. Last year, corn planting had not yet commenced at this time.
In Ohio, where an estimated 3.3 million acres of corn are projected to be planted this year, excessive moisture has prevented farmers from entering their fields. Despite some improvement in weather conditions, only two days were suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 21. With 44% of Ohio’s topsoil still exhibiting surplus moisture, planting progress has been slow. Last year, 4% of Ohio’s corn had been planted by this time.
Pennsylvania, another significant corn-producing state, is expected to plant around 1.05 million acres of corn in 2024. Despite having five days suitable for fieldwork, corn planting has not yet commenced in the state. While topsoil moisture supplies are mostly adequate, farmers may be waiting for optimal conditions before starting planting activities. Last year, 6% of Pennsylvania’s corn had been planted by this time.
Overall, the delay in planting progress in these states may have implications for the national corn crop. With a significant portion of the country’s corn acreage yet to be planted, farmers will be closely monitoring weather conditions and making decisions to optimize planting timing and maximize yields for the 2024 growing season.
