U.S. farmers have made modest gains in spring planting operations, with corn planting progress doubling to 4% completion nationwide as of April 13, according to data released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Despite the week-over-week improvement from 2% on April 6, corn planting still trails the five-year average of 5% for this point in the season. The USDA's weekly Crop Progress report shows activity ramping up across key growing regions, though many northern states have yet to begin fieldwork in earnest.
Texas continues to lead corn planting efforts with 63% of intended acreage seeded, up slightly from 59% the previous week. North Carolina has made substantial progress, reaching 19% completion compared to 8% the week prior.
Missouri farmers have also made significant headway, with 9% of corn planted, up from 3% the previous week. Meanwhile, Kentucky has shown steady progress, with 3% planted as of April 13.
Soybean planting has begun in select southern states, though national figures remain minimal at this early stage in the growing season.
The measured pace of planting reflects typical early-season caution as farmers assess soil conditions and weather forecasts. Adequate soil moisture exists across much of the Corn Belt, though some areas report surplus conditions that may delay fieldwork.
Most agricultural market analysts expect planting to accelerate significantly in coming weeks as temperatures warm across the Midwest and field conditions improve. The USDA will continue issuing weekly crop progress updates throughout the growing season.
