News

46% of U.S. corn, 24% of soybeans planted

The USDA says U.S. corn and soybean planting made solid advances last week thanks to generally good conditions in most major growing areas.

As of Sunday, 46% of the crop is planted, compared to 17% a week ago and the five-year average of 36%, and 8% has emerged, compared to 9% on average.

24% of soybeans are planted, compared to 8% the week before and 11% normally in early May.

48% of U.S. winter wheat is in good to excellent condition, down 1% on the week and 7% below a year ago, with 27% of the crop headed, compared to 34% on average.

49% of spring wheat is planted, compared to 32% on average, with 14% emerged, compared to the usual pace of 10%.

16% of cotton is planted, compared to 12% the prior week and 16% on average.

64% of rice is planted, compared to the normal rate of 60%, and 38% has emerged, compared to 43% on average.

Just 22% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent shape, compared to 46% this time last year. Another 31% is rated fair and 27% is in poor to very poor condition.

The USDA’s next set of production estimates is out Wednesday, May 12^th.