Corn is planted Monday on the Canatella Farm near Melville. Photo by Bruce Schultz

Farmer Charles Canatella of Melville checks the depth of seed planted in one of his fields as a tractor in the distance pulls a harrow to help dry the soil. Canatella said his planting has been delayed by excess rainfall in March. Photo by Bruce Schultz

Corn planting progresses on the Gerace Farm near Palmetto. Many farmers report their planting schedule has been delayed because the soil has been too wet from heavy rains this spring. Photo by Bruce Schultz

News Release Distributed 03/31/15

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Dry weather opened the window for corn planting in Louisiana as farmers were getting anxious to start their growing season.

Farmer Charles Canatella of Melville said on March 30 that he is two weeks behind.

“We like to plant the first half of March, until the 20th,” he said.

Canatella said the best yields are from corn planted in the first half of March. Later than that, he said, and the more intense summer heat interferes with pollination.

He said he has been planting on ground as it dries, and a harrow is used to turn the soil over and promote soil warmth and drying.

He said he has reduced his corn crop by 200 acres this year, to 500, because of low prices and the late planting.

Canatella said his land was ready for planting until rain on March 26 brought almost an inch on most of the fields. Earlier in the month, one rainfall brought 9 inches, he said.

Nicholas Gerace said he and his father Douglas were almost finished. Their farm is near Palmetto.

“I wouldn’t say we’re behind but we’re not as early as we usually are,” he said. “Everybody is wide open.”

Dan Fromme, LSU AgCenter corn specialist based at the Dean Lee Research and Extension Center in Alexandria, estimated 25-35 percent of the crop is planted.

“It’s amazing how fast things dried out because of the sunshine and strong winds,” he said. “There’s a good chance we’ll be through in 10 to 14 days.”

He doesn’t expect the state’s crop to decrease much below last year’s 422,000 acres that netted a record average yield of 183 bushels an acre.

Bruce Schultz