U.S. FARMERS PLANT CORN AT THE PACE OF THE TRADE'S EXPECTATION, USDA REPORTS

U.S. major corn and soybean-producing states race ahead of averages to get the crops in the ground. 

Emergence of crops is ahead of five-year averages, according to the USDA Crop Progress Report.

As of Sunday, the U.S. had 67% of the corn crop planted, above a 52% five-year average and equal to the trade’s expectations.

CORN

As of Sunday, Illinois farmers seeded 74% of this year’s corn crop vs. a 61% five-year average. Iowa farmers have put 86% of their corn in the ground vs. its 65% five-year average. So far, Nebraska has planted 71% of its corn vs. a 57% five-year average. Indiana has 46% of its corn planted vs. a 40% five-year average.

Of the total U.S. corn planted, 20% of it has emerged, above the 19% five-year average.

SOYBEANS

As of Sunday, the USDA rated the nation’s soybean crop as 42% planted vs. a 22% five-year average.

Illinois farmers have 57% of their soybeans planted vs. a 25% five-year average. Iowa’s farmers have seeded 67% of their soybeans vs. a 30% five-year average. North Dakota’s crop is 17% complete vs. an 11% five-year average.

WHEAT

In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. spring crop as 70% planted vs. a 51% five-year average. 

The U.S. winter wheat crop is rated as 49% good/excellent vs. 48% a week ago.

Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to the USDA report. “The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Based on standard definitions, these respondents subjectively estimate the progress of crops through various stages of development, as well as the progress of producer activities. They also provide subjective evaluations of crop conditions,” the USDA stated in its Monday report.

Most respondents complete their questionnaires on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the report.