The USDA Crop Progress report showed that corn planting advanced 9% this week to get to 58% planted. This compares to the average trade estimate at 63% and my Friday estimate at 68%. The six-year average is at 90%. Illinois was reported at 35% complete, while Indiana is pegged at 22% planted. Iowa only advanced 6% from last week and is now at 76% planted. The list is long of states that remain under 50% planted: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and South Dakota.
The report today showed corn emergence at just 32% compared to the five-year average at 69%.
Here is what to watch for in future reports.
| Six Year Average | Actual USDA | |
| Monday, April 15 | 5% | 3% |
| Monday, April 22 | 12% | 6% |
| Monday, April 29 | 25% | 15% |
| Monday, May 6 | 43% | 23% |
| Monday, May 13 | 63% | 30% |
| Monday, May 20 | 81% | 49% |
| Monday, May 28 | 90% | 58% |
I now estimate that over 24 million acres will be planted after Memorial Day in the US. The corn that is north of Interstate 80 only has 77% of normal yield potential when it is planted after Memorial Day. I am taking my projected corn acreage and yield projections lower again this week.
For soybeans, nationwide planting was reported at 29%. This compares to 19% last week and the five-year average at 66%, and last year at 74%. Soybeans planted in June just do not have the yield potential of soybeans planted in May in the northern Corn Belt.
Hard red spring wheat planting was reported at 84%. This is up 14% from last week. The five-year average is at 91% and last year planting was at 89%. This number was close to what I was expecting.