Friday, May 13, was our last day of planting. We were rained out twice. The first time was only for four hours. The second time has kept us out of the fields since then. Over the weekend we received 2-2.3 in. of rain. Farms nearby received 3 in. Beginning Saturday (May 21) we have a good chance of rain over the next five consecutive days. The good news though is that warmer temperatures are arriving.

We plant 100% of our acres to corn and are now 70% done planting corn. This compares to the average for the state of Illinois having 69% of the corn planted. Neighbors who are 50% corn and 50% soybean are generally done planting corn where I live and began planting soybeans before the rain. Those who are heavy on corn acres are generally not done planting corn and those who had more trouble with waiting for fields to dry out are also not done planting corn.

Crop growth has been slow due to the return of cool temperatures and lack of sunshine. Corn has also been slower to emerge than it was last week. The furthest developed corn in the area is now at V2. It was planted the first week of April. We hope to return to the field May 19 or 20, if possible.

The local closing bids for May 18 were $7.36 for nearby corn, $6.39 for new-crop corn, $13.73 for nearby soybeans and $13.21 for new-crop soybeans.

May 13, 2011

May 6, 2011