According to the latest USDA Crop Progress report, some 8% of corn has been planted in the week ended April 18, ahead of the 6% planted in the same week last year and in line with the 5-year average. Texas took the lead with 60% of its corn planted, down from 64% planted in the same period last year.

USDA also reported 3% of soybeans have been planted, an increase from the 2% planted by this point last year. Mississippi reported 15% of its spybeans planted as of April 18, followed by Arkansas at 12% and Louisiana at 10%. 

According to the report, 11% of cotton has been planted, in line with this point last year. Arizona reported 43% of its cotton planted as of April 18, followed by California with 25% planted.

Sorghum planting progress was behind compared with 2020, coming in at 15% planted vs. 19% in the same week last year. Rice was ahead of last year at 33% planted thus far vs. 29% last year. Some 25% of sugarbeets were reported planted, up from 17% in the same week last year.

Topsoil moisture conditions were down year-over-year. It was reported that 8% of topsoil had surplus moisture vs. 20% in the same week last year. Some 61% of topsoil had adequate moisture (down from 68% last year), 20% was short (vs. 10% last year) and 11% was very short (vs. 2% last year).

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