Hurt by hot weather and drought the USDA reported today that 38% of the corn crop across the 18 largest corn growing states was either in very poor to poor condition.That compares to 30% a week ago in a USDA estimate. Only 31% of this year’s crop is in good to excellent shape.That compares to 40% a week ago and 66% a year ago says USDA.
Some states have been hit even harder with 72% of this years corn crop in either vey poor to poor condition in Missouri and 77% in Kentucky. Only 11% of the Texas corn crop is in that category.
In California the latest USDA report says farmers planted 610,000 acres of all types of corn, down 3% from last year but expect to harvest 20% more grain corn than last year. Across the US, USDA had expected to harvest 6% more corn than last year but the drought appears to be putting a big dent in that prediction.
Corn for December delivery moved to $7.86 per bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade today up form just $5.20 in June.
More alfalfa hay in California this year – 980,000 acres – up 100,000 acres (11%) from last year, a size crop that could reduce the sky high price for this important dairy feed. China has been importing more US grown alfalfa hay,177 thousand metric tons last year.
Last year dairy leaders urged dairymen to plant more of their own feed to offset the high prices for both corn and hay in the marketplace.