date:May 22, 2013
y behind last year at the same time, when 95% of the crop was in the ground by May 19, 2012. The corn crop last year was well ahead of average because of a warm, dry spring that ultimately led to a growing season plagued by the worst drought in 50 years.
The weeks increase in corn plantings in top corn-producing Iowa was especially dramatic. The U.S.D.A. pegged plantings in the previous week ending May 12 at only 15%. By May 19, a total of 71% of the crop was planted in the state, the U.S.D.A.