The latest USDA Crop Progress Report indicated that a window of rain-free days allowed farmers to push corn and soybean planted acres slightly ahead of last year’s pace. As of April 20, 12% of the corn crop has been planted versus the five-year average of 10%. Eight percent of the soybean crop has been planted versus the five-year average of 5%.

The states with the biggest gains in corn planting last week included:

  • Missouri with a 24% gain. Planting was 33% complete
  • North Carolina with a 23% gain. Planting was 42% complete
  • Iowa with a 16% gain. Planting is now 18 % complete.
  • Kansas with a 16% gain. Planting is now 27% complete.

The states with the biggest gains in soybean planting included:

  • Louisiana with a 34% gain. Planting is now 56% complete.
  • Mississippi with a 20% gain. Planting is now 35% complete.
  • Arkansas with an 18% gain. Planting is now 32% complete.

The USDA reports that 2% of the overall corn crop has emerged, with most of this occurring in Texas and North Carolina.

Read more from the latest USDA Crop Progress Report here.