(Omaha) Corn planting was over halfway finished by the end of last week, while soybean planting continued ahead of last year’s pace and its five-year average, according to USDA NASS’s weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.
Planting progress is expected to improve this week as temperatures rise and most areas turn drier, though drought conditions continue in parts of the Central Plains and Southeast, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick.
According to the USDA, 57% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, 2 points behind last year’s pace of 59% and 5 points ahead of the five-year average of 52%. “Tennessee and Kentucky lead the pack at 92% and 87% planted,” DTN Senior Analyst Dana Mantini said. “Major states Iowa and Illinois are 72% and 54% planted, respectively.”
23% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, 3 points behind last year’s 26% and 4 points ahead of the five-year average of 19%.
Soybean planting progress is estimated at 49% of the intended soybean acreage planted as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year at this time and 13 points ahead of the five-year average of 36%. Soybean planting continues to progress quickly in Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, with Iowa and Illinois at 60% and 57% planted and ahead of average, Mantini said.
Twenty percent of the soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year and 8 points ahead of the five-year average of 12%.
