Warm, dry weather is helping Midwest corn farmers, while wet weather continues to drive back corn planting in the western Corn Belt.
USDA reported Monday that corn planting was up from 23% of the total crop planted the previous week up to 53%. At that time last year, 67% was planted, and the five-year average was 63%.
Heavy rains are expected to continue in parts of the western belt, potentially pushing back seedings 7 to 10 days, Dow Jones reports. Fields on higher, well-drained ground could be accessible early this weekend, but low lying areas may not be open until Sunday or Monday, according to Cropcast meteorologist David Streit.