USDA Crop Progress Report: U.S. Corn Planting at 55%

U.S. corn planting jumped significantly on last week’s mild weather with 55% of the country’s corn planted by week’s end – up from 19% the week before, and notably above the five year average of 38% for this time of year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) weekly crop progress report.

Likewise, U.S. soybean planting jumped to 13% complete – up from 2% the week before, and above the 5% recorded at this time last year, and the five year average of 9%.

In the top corn producing state of Iowa, corn planting rocketed to 68% - up from 14% the week before, and far above the 22% completed at this point last year and the five year average of 39%. Planting rates are well above average and similar for Illinois at 69%, and Nebraska at 57%.

Nationally, corn emergence stands at 9% compared to 6% last year at this time and a five year average of 12%.

The condition of the winter wheat crop improved marginally by 1% to 43% being rated as in good to excellent condition, with Kansas’ crop currently rated as 27% being in good to excellent condition.

Spring wheat planting jumped to 75% - up from 25% at this point last year and the five year average of 40%. Top producing state of North Dakota was at 65% as of the end of last week – significantly above the 5% a year ago and the five year average of 27%.

Sorghum is 29% planted – in line with 28% at this point last year and the five year average of 28%. Cotton is 17% planted compared to 16% at this point last year, but lower than the five year average of 22%.

Topsoil moisture content in the Midwest and Plains states is abundant with Iowa at 89% adequate to surplus, Illinois at 90%, Nebraska at 64%, Kansas at 62%, Oklahoma at 66%, Texas at 78%, and North Dakota at 61%.