It continues to be slow going when it comes getting crops in the ground for much of the mid-section of the U.S. as cold, wet weather is just beginning to let up in the big corn and soybean states.
USDA estimates that only about 5% of corn has been planted as of April 22. This compares with the 5-year average of 14% and last year’s 15% on this date.
Here’s a quick rundown on how things standard as of Sunday in some of the largest corn producing states.
4/22/18 | 4/22/17 | Avg. 2013-2017 | |
Illinois | 4% | 30% | 20% |
Indiana | 1% | 13% | 5% |
Iowa | 0% | 7% | 11% |
Minnesota | 0% | 5% | 13% |
Missouri | 16% | 42% | 35% |
Nebraska | 2% | 15% | 9% |
USDA also reports that only about 2% of soybeans have been planted so far. This is about equal the 5-year average, but down from 5% a year ago.