Corn and soybean planting progress still behind five-year averages

The USDA released its fifth Crop Progress report Monday afternoon. These reports run weekly through the end of November and look at the progress and condition of various crops on a national and state-by-state scale.

• READ MORE: Don't panic about planting

CORN

As of Sunday, the report pegged corn planted at 14%, compared with 33% for the previous five-year average; 3% has emerged compared with 6% for the previous five-year average.

• READ MORE: One of the wettest starts to May in 30+ years for the Corn Belt, WeatherTrends360 projects

SOYBEANS

As of Sunday, the report has 8% of soybeans planted, compared with 13% for the previous five-year average.

WHEAT

Spring wheat planted was reported at 19% compared with 28% for the prior five-year average; 5% has emerged compared with 7% for the previous five-year average.

Winter wheat headed came in at 23% vs. the 29% five-year average. Winter wheat condition was 27% good/excellent and 43% poor/very poor. This compares with the previous year average of 48% good/excellent and 19% poor/very poor. 

• READ MORE: Parched winter wheat crop is badly stressed

OATS

Oats planted was reported at 45% vs. the five-year average of 58%, and 31% of oats had emerged as of May 1, compared with 40% for the previous five-year average.

The report also indicated that nationwide, topsoil moisture is rated as 53% adequate and 15% surplus. The previous year was 55% adequate and 8% surplus.

• WATCH: USDA Crop Progress Report | Monday, May 2, 2022

"The really important benchmark to watch is the USDA Crop Progress report that will be released on Monday, May 9," says Al Kluis, Kluis Commodity Advisors. "Last year that report showed corn planting at 67% and the five-year average that week should be at 52%. Usually (but not every year), it is hard to get a trend line yield in the U.S. if the corn crop is not at the 50% planted mark by May 10."

About the report: Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to the USDA. The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Most respondents complete the questionnaire on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the Crop Progress Report.