Another Week of Major Planting Progress Wraps Up April

At this point in April, the majority of the farmers have buckled in for spring planting. And with another week of favorable conditions in the tractor’s rearview mirror, USDA has released the latest update on planting progress.

As of April 27, the report calculates 24% of corn and 18% of soybeans are in the ground. That’s up from 12% for corn and 8% for soybeans at this time last week.

The most progress since the last report goes to:
Corn

• North Carolina (18% gain)
• Minnesota (17% gain)
• Iowa, Tennessee and South Dakota (16% gain)

Soybeans

• Mississippi (19% gain)
• Iowa and Louisiana (14% gain)
• Arkansas (13% gain)

Progress up to this point is right on track with last year — with corn 1% behind and soybeans 1% ahead of the 2024 numbers.

Good Conditions To Go Around
With warm, sunny weather and rain where it’s needed, farmers are starting to feel cautiously optimistic for what’s ahead this growing season.

In fact, conditions have been so good, some growers (like this Minnesota farmer) are way ahead of schedule.

They might even be wondering, “What’s the catch?”

Maybe it’s the ongoing windy conditions.

Or the forecast for the week ahead.

Whether you’ll be making progress this week, or on a severe weather delay, take a lesson from this farmer-in-training. Grab a snack, pet your dog and catch your breath.

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