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
The fifth-generation operation is managing land and cattle with a long-term focus.
Officials say the virus is not a food safety risk and does not affect humans
With the Farm Bill now in the Senate’s hands, industry groups say the stakes are high—and timely action could be critical for producers navigating a difficult economic environment.
The Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World Screwworm case about 119 miles from the Texas border, near Zapata, Texas, and north and west of the Rio Grande Valley.
Landowners interested in protecting working ground through an easement now have another funding window open until the end of May.
Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

JBS says the plant is now operating at full capacity as plant workers return to work.
Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.
A Nebraska rancher says his land may not support cattle this year after 2,000 acres were burned in recent devastating wildfires across the state.
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.
Aris Georgiadis with Dairy Management Inc. joined us to discuss the “Dairy Does More” campaign and how it is working to boost demand for dairy.
Farmer John Jenkinson shares the latest on planting conditions in Kansas and what producers are facing this season.