US Planting Progress Remains Ahead of Average
- Corn planting was 80% complete vs 81% expected and 71% average.
- Soybean progress was a bit behind expectations at 53% complete, but still well ahead of the 38% average pace.
- Cotton remained on schedule, and was 44% planted compared to 40% average.
- Spring wheat has been the exception with 60% planted, which is behind the 80% average for this time and 63% last year.
FBN’s Take On What It Means: National planting paces are still days ahead for corn and beans. There are some areas that are lagging with the lack of progress in North Dakota is a concern. Growers there may take prevent-plant on some corn acres as the final planting date for full insurance is May 25-31 depending on the county. Prevent-plant dates for spring wheat are May 31 for the southern half of the state and June 5 for the northern half. Recent heavy rain across the central and eastern Midwest will likely delay progress for a time, but was mostly beneficial for recently planted crops.
Wheat Conditions Slightly Lower
- Winter wheat crop condition ratings were down slightly to 52% good to excellent from 53% last week and well below 66% last year.
- HRW ratings were steady overall with TX and CO lower; KS, OK, and NE steady; and, MT and SD higher.
- SRW ratings were down slightly with IL, IN, OH, and MO all showing declines in conditions.
- Crop observers did report freeze damage to winter wheat in OH, IN, and MI.
- Kansas Wheat and KSU Research and Extension, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Agriculture are hosting a virtual crop tour this year.
FBN’s Take On What It Means: Though ratings have been ticking lower in recent weeks, it should be noted crop conditions remain above average. Despite some freeze damage to SRW, it was not enough to move the outlook significantly lower. Virtual wheat tour results for north-central and northwest Kansas will be available after the close this afternoon. Western portions of HRW country are drier than normal and need the precipitation forecast for the next two weeks to verify.
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