A drier and milder window to plant last week played into farmers’ favor. The latest USDA Crop Progress Report shows planting is ahead of average.
USDA’s NASS shows 4% of the nation’s corn crop is planted, which is one point ahead of the five-year average. Texas leads in planting progress. 57% of the state’s corn planting is complete, one point ahead of the five-year average, but five points behind last year’s pace.
Cotton planting is also slightly ahead of the normal with 8% of the U.S. crop in the ground. That compares to the five-year average of 7% planted at this time of year.
USDA also gave an update on winter wheat conditions. The winter wheat crop is rated 53% good to excellent, which is unchanged from last week. The concern continues to be drought conditions in the West.
USDA says 58% of farmers in North Dakota are reporting very short topsoil moisture with 25% reporting short topsoil moisture conditions.
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USDA’s First 2021 Crop Progress Report Shows Planting Progress
