Near-perfect conditions in much of the Midwest are aiding farmers’ planting efforts. As of May 3, 51% of the U.S. corn crop is planted. That compares to a five-year average of 39% planted by early May, according to USDA.
“U.S. farmers planted 24% of the crop in just one week,” says Joe Vaclavik, founder and president of Standard Grain on his daily podcast.
See AgWeb’s corn planting progress map.
The following states all had more than five days suitable for fieldwork last week: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas.
Iowa and Minnesota are leading the pack in corn-planting pace. As of May 3, 78% of the Iowa’s corn crop is planted, which compares to a five-year average of 46% planted. Minnesota farmers have planted 76% of the state’s corn acres, which compares to a five-year average of 36% planted by early May.
“Only a few states lagging the five-year average in terms of planting pace,” Vaclavik notes.
Those states include North Dakota, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
For soybeans, 23% of the U.S. crop is planted. That compares to a five-year average of 11% for early May.
“We planted 15% of that crop in one week,” Vaclavik says.
See AgWeb’s soybean planting progress map.
Most states are ahead of average in soybean planting, with only Mississippi and Arkansas pacing behind average.
Cotton planting is 18% complete, which is in line with the five-year average of 17%. Sorghum planting is 22% complete, which also tracks with the five-year average of 26%.
Spring wheat is 29% planted, which is tracking behind normal rates. The five-year average for early May is 43% planted.
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