Crop Report Looking Strong

USDA reports U.S. corn and soybean planting is continuing along at a faster than average pace. As of last week, 87% of corn is planted, compared to 71% the prior week, 56% last year and the five year average of 66%. Fifty-six percent of corn has emerged, compared to 32% a week ago, 16% a year ago and 28% on average.

For soybeans, 46% of the crop is planted, compared to 24% last week, 17% last year and 24% on average, with 16% emerged, compared to 7% a week ago, 3% a year ago and 5% on average.

Seventy-two percent of the winter wheat crop has headed, compared to 50% last year at this time and 46% on average, with 60% of the crop in good to excellent shape, down 3% on the week but up 28% on the year. Ninety-four percent of spring wheat is planted, compared to 33% a year ago and 64% on average, with 68% emerged, compared to 10% last year and 32% on average.

Fifty-four percent of pastures and rangelands are rated good to excellent, unchanged from a week ago and 2% more than a year ago.