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Next 2 weeks to determine MO planting progress

The next two weeks, weather wise, will play a big role in whether Missouri growers should be most concerned about delayed planting, according to MU Extension Cereal Grain Agronomist Brent Myers.

Wet fields and bouts of cold weather are keeping many farmers from planting corn and more rain and cold are due later this week. With only 15% of corn planted in Missouri, Myers says, we have a long way to go although there are some pockets where planting is moving forward.

Myers says, “In fact, I’m visiting a producer in Northeast Missouri who is planting corn today and was yesterday. So, there is very small progress and the next two weeks will really make the difference.”

Yield profit losses kick in after corn is planted the first week of June, says Myers, so growers still have some time.

One of the things making growers nervous, though, is the inability to even PREPARE for planting.

“We’ve had such a wet spring that there hasn’t been the capability to get out and do the work like burn-down and producers who till have not really been able to do that,” Myers adds, “A lot of nitrogen applications are delayed.”

Myers says it’s safe to say that most of the state, except for some spots in Northwest Missouri, has moved out of drought conditions.

AUDIO: Brent Myers interviewed by Mary Farucci (7:00 mp3)

(Interview provided by Missourinet)