Louisiana Corn 93% Planted, Rice 79%, Sorghum 64%
Corn planting is wrapping up in Louisiana, according to the latest report from the Louisiana Agricultural Statistics Service. They estimate corn planting progress at 93% complete. Rice planting is right behind corn at 79%, with grain sorghum well past the half-way mark at 64% done.
Soybean planting is starting to pick up with 19% of the crop now in the ground, and cotton planting has now begun, with 3% of the state's cotton seed now planted.
Here are a few comments the report contains from county agents across the state...
“Drier weather has made some planting of soybeans and cotton possible. Still have back water on some corn field.” – Carol Pinnell-Alison, Franklin Parish
“Some fields and pastures still holding water from flood and recent rains. Corn is stunted in some fields due to excess standing water with many fields worked but too wet to plant.” – Donna Morgan, Grant Parish
“With pasture conditions being moist, this delayed the first hay cutting drastically for a few more weeks. Some rice fields are waiting green ring to send out first application of nitrogen.” – Bradley Poussion, Cameron Parish
“5-7" of rain fell throughout the parish during the week, rice fields waiting for good weather to spray herbicide and apply fertilizer. Pastures are doing well, ryegrass pastures are heading out.” – Jimmy Meaux, Calcasieu Parish
“Received from 1 to 2 inches rain last week. It will be the end of this week before any possible fieldwork. Some soybeans still to be planted plus many still have fertilizer and weed control to apply.” – Jimmy Flanagan, Saint Mary Parish
“Heavy rains interrupted field progress. Farmers are anxiously waiting for fields to dry out to resume soybean planting. Rains appear to have reduced the severity of brown rust levels in 540 sugarcane. However, most cane growers are still expecting to make a fungicide application once fields dry out. Some crawfish ponds are being restocked, drained and preparations are being made for next crawfish season. Hay growers are waiting for drier weather to make an initial cutting on bermuda fields. Some tomato spotted wilt virus is starting to show up in home vegetable gardens.” – Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish