Crop Progress -- May 22, 2011

It should come as no surprise that soil moisture levels have dictated much of the planting progress across the Midwest. On average, as one looks at soil moistures from west to east, we range from being short to adequate moisture in Kansas and Nebraska; adequate to surplus moistures across Iowa to Illinois; and surplus to excessive moisture in the eastern corn belt. Field work and planting progress echoes this too. The far west is well above last year's average planting progress for both corn and soybeans, and well ahead of the long term averages, with corn being near completion. Even Iowa is reporting progress ahead of last year and long term averages for both corn and soybeans. Minnesota and Wisconsin are reporting quick progress in corn planting and soybean planting is well underway. Illinois is making great strides and significant progress, although some producers are planting around wet patches, and replanting flooded areas. Planting in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio has been further delayed by rain showers that in some areas has been very much above normal.

Nationally (in the 18 selected states for USDA reporting), 79% of the corn crop has been planted, compared with 92% in 2010, and the 5-year average of 87%. For soybeans, 41% of the nation's soybean crop was planted, only 10% behind last year, and 10% behind the 5-year average.

 Corn Planting - Selected States

Soybean Planting - Selected States