The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released their latest crop progress report on May 29. The survey represents 18 states that planted 92 percent of corn acres and 96 percent of soybean acres across the United States in 2017.
According to the survey, corn planting is slightly ahead of schedule compared to the 2013–2017 average for acres planted this time of year, with 92 percent completed. The recent dry, summer-like temperatures in the Midwest over the past few weeks have let growers catch up after a later-than-normal start to planting this year. And an estimated 72 percent of the U.S. corn crop has emerged, slightly ahead of last year at this time and above the 2013–2017 average of 69 percent. Of the corn that has emerged, three percent is listed in very poor to poor condition, 18 percent in fair and 79 percent in good to excellent condition. Corn seems to be right on track for most of the Corn Belt.
For soybeans, things are moving ahead of schedule. At this time in 2017, 65 percent of soybeans were planted. This year, 77 percent are in the ground, which is 15 percent higher than the 2013–2017 average. Of soybeans planted, 47 percent have emerged, which is also ahead from last year (34 percent) and the 2013–2017 average (32 percent). States like Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa still have a way to go, but soybean-producing states in the South are close to having their crop fully emerged. Soybeans conditions are not yet being reported.
To learn more about crop progress and conditions throughout the United States, visit USDA NASS.