News

11% of U.S. corn, 12% of soybeans planted

U.S. farmers were able to make good corn and soybean planting progress over the past week. That was despite several days of widespread rain in the Midwest, including severe weather in parts of the region.

The USDA says 11% of corn is planted, compared to 5% last week and the five-year average of 9%, with 4% of the crop emerged, compared to 2% on average.

12% of soybeans are planted, compared to 12% a week ago and 5% most recent years.

That rain did miss some of the drier areas of the U.S. Plains. Just 30% of U.S. winter wheat is rated good to excellent, falling 4%, with soft red winter in much better shape than hard red winter. 20% of winter wheat has headed, compared to the typical pace of 12%.

12% of spring wheat is planted and 2% has emerged, matching their normal respective rates.

11% of cotton is planted, compared to 10% generally in mid-April.

15% of sorghum is planted, compared to 16% on average.

56% of rice is planted and 34% has emerged, both well ahead of usual.

The USDA’s weekly national crop progress and condition numbers run through the end of November.