DES MOINES, Iowa, May 4 (UPI) -- Corn farmers in Iowa and elsewhere said they are getting a late start to the planting season due to unseasonably wet and cold weather in the Midwest.
The Des Moines Register said just 2 percent of what's expected to be one of the largest corn growing seasons ever is in the ground.
The consensus is corn should be planted by May 10 if farmers want a full yield, though the Register said it's likely many farmers will still be planting as much as a week beyond the optimal deadline due to the weather.
The corn season is expected to be one of the largest on record because last year's drought-plagued growing season left supply below demand and grain futures remain high, leading farmers to cash in on higher prices.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it expects 97 million acres of corn planting nationally, up from 88 million to 90 million in an average year.
