The USDA reports from this week show that only 7 percent of Kentucky's corn planting has been done. Last year 29 percent of corn was planted by this time last year. Both of these figures are well behind the normal pace of planting in Kentucky. Since 2000, Kentucky corn planting is usually 45 percent complete by the last week of April.
Illinois corn planting is seeing better progress, especially upstate. This spring's corn planting is 31 percent done, compared to a normal of 37 percent before the end of April. Illinois farmers doubled the amount of corn planted just in the past week.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds drivers that farm equipment will be on the roads as farmers move from field to field. Be prepared to see tractors and various tillage and planting equipment moving at slow speeds.
In 2014 there were 192 traffic crashes involving farm equipment across Kentucky. While there were no fatalities in 2014, there were 42 reported injuries and 158 of those crashes included property damage.
Farmers are asked to do their part by providing appropriate escort vehicles and lighting whenever they move tractors and other equipment along highways.
On the Net:
USDA Crop Report for April 27
