Farmers’ quick planting progress may not lead to more crop acres

Farmers across the U.S. are making good progress in planting, but that does not necessarily mean there will be more crop acres.

In March, USDA found principal crop acres were down around 6 million from last year, which is a nearly 2 percent drop. Analysts with Reuters took a look back at 2015 where planting was also at a quick pace, and they found that crop acres fell by 2.4 percent that year.

Rain in the Corn Belt is expected to slow progress in the near future, and the markets will be looking forward to results of the June survey.

Related Stories
Year-to-date red meat production is down 2 percent, with beef lower and pork higher.
Drought and Planting Shape Weekly Crop Condition Recap
Drought remains a major risk, with the ERS reporting that 98 percent of the U.S. cotton production area was affected by drought in early May.
The coalition says the program was designed to make cover crop enrollment faster and easier for producers.
European officials say the temporary move is aimed at easing pressure on farmers as conflict in the Middle East disrupts fertilizer markets.
Canadian industry leaders argue the tax policies cited by U.S. officials are similar to exemptions already used by American growers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Brad Anderson with AARP joined us to preview AARP Live and discuss the importance of disaster preparedness and family planning.
North Dakota FFA President Cole Anderson joins us to discuss the upcoming state convention, leadership lessons, and what FFA means to students across the state.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to discuss the 4 R’s of nutrient stewardship and how farmers are adapting best practices in today’s evolving ag economy.
USDA officials are increasing surveillance and sterile fly dispersal efforts as New World screwworm cases continue growing in Mexico near the Texas border.
Firefighters continue battling multiple wildfires across southwest Kansas as drought conditions fuel fire danger and raise concerns about additional cattle herd liquidation.
Dave Walton with the American Soybean Association joins us to discuss China’s new ag purchase commitments, E15 policy concerns, and spring planting conditions.