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North Dakota could see fewer corn acres

Expect fewer planted corn acres in the Upper Midwest this year.

Adam Spelhaug with North Dakota-based Peterson Farms Seed says there’s still corn left over from 2019, and the spring harvest has been slowed by continued wetness.

“Those (farmers) I think are looking at it, (and) a PP payment realistically looks a little bit more attractive than if they planted corn May 20th for $2.50 a bushel.”

He tells Brownfield another reason prevented planting looks attractive is because there aren’t really any good alternatives to corn.

“Soybeans (and) wheat don’t look that great. We’re getting a bit too late for putting in spring wheat. Sunflower contracts, dry bean contracts, all those have been taken care. So I think guys are weighing their options right now.”

Spelhaug estimates about 15 to 20 percent of North Dakota’s 2019 corn crop remains unharvested.