“We’re definitely above average as far as the state goes,” said Rushing. “Corn planting is over 95 percent done – probably closer to 99 percent. We’ve got a little seed corn left, but all of the commercial corn is generally in.”
Soybean planting is about 80 percent finished. Rushing added that the farmers are right on schedule for the five-year completion averages.
Moisture-wise, Rushing believes the crops have gotten enough to get the growing process underway.
“We were starting to get a little short after we had a very wet April. We had a couple of weeks there in early May where it was dry. We’ve gotten some timely rains in the last couple of weeks and top soil moistures are generally adequate-to-surplus in most areas. There are a couple of areas that are short, but most are doing well.”
There is a point in the summer where rain is critical.
“Right now is definitely an important time, but during pollination is the most important time that they get moisture. The corn is actually beginning to actually put on seed to where we get the grain that we harvest.”
Overall, Rushing is pleased with the numbers he’s been seeing from the USDA.
