AccuWeather predicts smaller corn and soybean yields in 2019 as wet weather persists

Corn and soybean planting data showed a slight improvement in Monday's U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Crop Progress compared to last week's report, but planting still remains behind schedule in 17 of 18 key states for both corn and soybean compared to their 2014-2018 averages.

AccuWeather predicts corn and soybean yields will be below the latest USDA estimates for the season as wet weather persists throughout key corn- and soybean-producing states.

The corn crop was projected at 15 billion bushels, up from last year's crop of 14.3 billion bushels, according to the USDA. However, AccuWeather meteorologists estimate the 2019 corn crop will yield 14.2 billion bushels, which is slightly below last year's yield.

Similarly, the USDA estimated the soybean crop to yield 4.15 billion bushels in a May 10 report, following a 2018 season that saw a record 4.54 billion bushels.

AccuWeather, however, estimates the 2019 soybean crop will be 4.10 billion bushels, which is below the USDA estimate. The continued wet weather has led to delays in planting corn and soybean, the two main crops for Midwestern farmers.

Corn planting as of May 20 in 18 key U.S. states is off 38.75% compared to the five-year average according to the Crop Progress; by now, 80% of corn in those key states is normally planted, but this week's report shows that only 49% is planted.

Soybean planting is off 59.5% of its five-year average with just 19 percent of soybeans planted in the 18 key states, compared to a normal of 47% by May 20.

More wet weather is expected in the Midwest today into Wednesday, including flooding downpours, hail and possible tornadoes, as well as this weekend. "That will raise some concerns for getting the crops in on time," said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Jason Nicholls. "The biggest problem areas are Nebraska, Minnesota and the Dakotas."

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