The USDA Crop Progress report showed that corn planting advanced 16% this week to get to 83% planted. This compares to the average trade estimate at 83% and my Friday estimate at 83%. The five-year average is at 97%. Illinois was reported at 73% which is 27% below the five-year average. The list of states that are way behind include Indiana (67%), (Ohio 50%), and South Dakota (64%). The first corn condition rating for the season was released today at 59% good-to-excellent. This compares to the five-year average at 77%.
The report today showed corn emergence at just 62% compared to the five-year average at 93%.
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% |
| Monday, June 3 | 96% | 67% |
| Monday, June 10 | 99% | 83% |
| Monday, June 17 | 99% |
For soybeans, nationwide planting was reported at 60% compared to traders’ expectations of 56%. This compares to 39% last week and the five-year average at 88%, and last year at 92%. Soybeans emerged was reported at 34% compared to the five-year-average at 73%.