Hit-or-miss rains over the last week left some fields too dry and others too wet in the Corn Belt. Overall ratings from growers providing Feedback From The Field showed only a slight improvement, and average assessments were fair less optimistic that initial ratings put out by USDA.

The first condition reports for corn from the government last week were among the strongest early ratings on record, with 79% of the crop in good or excellent shape. Growers posting comments were much more cautious.

“All said, our crops are excellent right now,” wrote a producer north of Indianapolis, despite only 1.75 inches of rain in May. “One of the driest Mays on record.”

Those fields didn’t get much help from showers last week, though forecasts show potential for three-quarters to one inch of moisture over the next week. Those rains will be welcomed in some areas, but not in others.

A grower from eastern Iowa was still planting late last week, with 20% of his corn in the bag. Only 30% of soybeans were in the ground there.

Rains are forecast to mostly miss parts of northern Kansas that were drenched following very dry conditions over the winter and spring. “8" to 12" rain last week washed out 1/5 the corn that was just starting to come up,” said a farmer there. “Winter wheat is looking good till you walk into the field. 8" to 12"tall with blooming head. Going to be a bear to harvest.”

Despite the challenges, growers got caught up planting corn, even if some fields were worked late.

“Very wet May,” said a Wisconsin producer. “Over 9 inches of rain. Just finished corn and beans on the 30th of May.  That is about 4 weeks later than normal.”

 What’s happening out your way? Click this Feedback From The Fieldlink to rate crops in your area and provide comments about your fields. We’ll update reports frequently with the interactive map below that lets you see what other growers are saying around the country. Click the box in the upper left-hand corner to bring up the weekly index; scroll down to see the most current week.

Follow along with the season here:

Feedback From the Field - May 21, 2018 - Will corn planting progress meet the market’s models?

Feedback From the Field - May 14, 2018 - Planting progress hit or miss in the second week of May.

Feedback From the Field - May 7, 2018 - Growers make rapid planting progress outside the far north.

Feedback From the Field - May 2, 2018 - Some growers welcome this week’s rains.

Feedback From The Field - April 30, 2018 - More growers get into the field over the weekend.

Feedback From The Field - April 23, 2018 - April ending with cold, wet conditions stalling planting.

Feedback From The Field - April 19, 2018 - Rain, snow, fires and mud – this spring has it all.

Feedback From The Field - April 18, 2018 - Welcome to springtime in the Midwest.

Feedback From The Field - April 16, 2018 - Interactive tool helps growers share conditions.