Louisiana Corn Planting 86% Done, 24% in Poor to Very Poor Condition
The latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from the Louisiana Ag Statistics Service shows corn planting now wrapping up, but the March flooding has taken its toll on the crop with almost a fourth of it rated poor to very poor.
Rice planting has reached the 75% mark, with sorghum at 53% and soybean planting now underway with 13% of the crop in the ground.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents:
“Excess rain continues to delay planting; as well as stressing corn and soybean already planted.” – R. L. Frazier, Madison Parish
“Rained about 2 inches this past week. Very little fieldwork completed. Some fields still under water.” – Carol Pinnell-Alison, Franklin Parish
“Fieldwork was slow due to wet ground condition with scattered thunderstorms and rain showers this past week. Rice herbicide and fertilizer are currently being applied. Crawfish catch are really good but market is poor. With improving ground condition soybean planting will be in full swing.” – Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
“Rain midweek slowed rice planting and sugarcane fieldwork although progress for both are well ahead of normal. Rain was needed for summer pasture development in most of parish and should stimulate sugarcane growth. Rice farmers are fertilizing and spraying for weeds and establishing permanent flood on much of the rice. Ranchers continue to work cattle and calves and hay producers are fertilizing hay meadows. Sugarcane farmers are fertilizing and cultivating.” – Andrew Granger, Vermilion Parish
“Spotty rain showers this past week. Most of the soybean ground is worked up and ready to go. Pastures and cattle conditions look good.” – Jeremy Hebert, Acadia Parish
“Rains put a stop to nearly all fieldwork. Sugarcane have made good progress with fertilizer applications. Crop is looking good especially plant cane and first stubble with rust a concern. Livestock and pasture continue to do well with mild winter. Crawfish size is up, and prices are down. Vegetable gardens are off to a good start.” – Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish
“Rainy conditions during the week which limited fieldwork, very cloudy with limited amount of sun. Strong South wind with very high tides.” – Reed Himel, Terrebonne Parish