Wet weather delays planting of area corn crop

SIKESTON, Mo. -- With nearly 5 inches of rain recorded this month in Sikeston and more expected, local farmers are having a tough time getting corn planted.

"Farmers are just waiting for it to dry out," said Richard DeLoughery, University of Missouri Extension specialist in Charleston,

Only 8 percent of the corn crop is in the ground, compared to 24 percent this time last year and a five-year average of 30 percent, according to the latest crop progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Planting is 22 percent complete in southwestern Missouri, but only 3 percent complete in south central fields and 4 percent in the northwest.

Bill Wiebold, MU Extension crop specialist, said wetness in Southeast Missouri may cause some yield loss for corn. However, farmers in central and northern Missouri should experience little or no yield loss unless planting is delayed past May 1.

"Planting in cold, wet soils reduces seedling emergence and increases risk of soil compaction," Wiebold said. "Soil compaction limits root growth withstanding hot, dry spells during summer."

Pat Guinan, climatologist for the MU Extension Commercial Agriculture Program, said a half-inch to 1.5 inches of rain fell over much of the state during the past week, with heavier totals locally.

This month, 4.73 inches of rain were recorded in Sikeston by the Sikeston Power Station, which serves as an official observer for the National Weather Service.

"We're running behind," said David Reinbott, University of Missouri Extension specialist in Benton. "The fields are wet, and we keep getting these showers with an or inch or so."

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.