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U.S. corn planting ahead of average pace

Thanks to nearly ideal weather in many areas, there was a lot of progress made in corn planting over the past week.

According to USDA, as of Sunday April 18, 19% of the crop was planted, compared to 3% a week ago, 5% a year ago and the five year average of 9%.

Spring wheat planting is also moving quickly at 20% complete, compared to 6% last year and 14% on average.

11% of cotton has been planted, compared to 6% a week ago, 11% a year ago and 12% on average, while 47% of rice is planted and 18% of the crop has emerged.

Sugar beet planting is 33% complete, compared to 18% on average and 63% of oats have been planted with 36% emerged as of Sunday.

8% of the winter wheat crop has headed, compared to 13% a year ago and 11% on average and 69% of the crop is in good to excellent condition, up 4% from last week and 26% more than last year.