USDA's First 2021 Crop Progress Report Shows Planting Progress

USDA issued its first weekly Crop Progress report of the year Monday, April 5. After a short delay due to technical difficulties, the numbers were released at 5 p.m. ET. USDA's NASS showed farmers have started planting corn, cotton, sorghum and rice. 

USDA shows 2% of the nation's corn crop is in the ground, which is on par with last year, and also consistent with 2020 progress this early in the season. 55% of the Texas corn crop is already planted, which is 2 points ahead of the five-year average. 

The cotton crop is 6% planted, which is 1 point ahead of the five-year average. USDA also shows Arizona's cotton crop is 27% planted, 2 points ahead of average and three points faster than last year's pace. Texas' crop is 10% planted, a point better than the five year average.

NASS shows the sorghum crop's planting progress is on track with average at 46% complete. Last year at this time, more than half of the sorghum crop in Texas was already planted. 

USDA also released its first national look at winter wheat conditions. The report revealed conditions are in line with trade expectations, at 53% good to excellent, but below last year's rating of 62% good to excellent. NASS indicated 16% of the nation's wheat crop is in poor to very poor shape, with Colorado showing the worst conditions at 34% of the state's winter wheat crop in the poor to very poor category. States seeing the best winter wheat conditions include Ohio at 77% good to excellent and Oregon with 74% rated good to excellent.