TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - New data published by the USDA Tuesday shows Indiana planting is still behind schedule. The report shows Hoosier farmers are still more than 60 percent behind schedule planting corn by this time of year. It compares the current planting and growing status of major crops to averages over the past five years
In addition to the delays with corn, only eleven percent of soy has been planted for the state as of last Sunday.
Gilbert Farms owner Greg Gilbert says planting so far has been very hit or miss.
"Progress in our viewing area has just been pretty much like the weather. Just very random,” said Gilbert.
Gilbert believes fellow farmers will take a hit as a result.
"By the time things get dried out you're probably looking at least a ten to fifteen percent deduction from their production,” said Gilbert.
The setbacks have many farmers considering more extensive crop insurance.
Gilbert said the government can help them pay up to eighty percent of the premium for full coverage. But to get that benefit for corn, they must apply by June 5th.
"A lot of producers, they'll buy in at the seventy to eighty percent level with the crop prices today, to just help hedge against the risk,” said Gilbert.
The subsidy deadline for soybean coverage is also coming up on June 20th. Both would help cover some of farmers' losses if the wet season continues.
