American farmers planted 38 percent of the nation’s corn crop by May 3, leading the five-year average of 34 percent, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report. The progress is in spite of challenging conditions across key growing regions, leading to less time in the field as producers work to complete spring planting operations.
Corn operations exceed historical pace
Across 18 major corn-producing states representing 91 percent of U.S. acreage, planting advanced 15 percentage points from the previous week and remained 4 points ahead of the five-year average. Corn emergence reached 13 percent nationally, up from 6 percent the prior week and ahead of the five-year average’s 9 percent for the same period.
Individual state progress varied widely, with southern regions showing stronger advancement while northern tier states lagged due to wet field conditions and cooler temperatures.
Rice planting accelerates sharply
Rice producers demonstrated significant progress, with 79 percent of the crop planted across six major states by May 3, up 10 percent from the previous week’s 69 percent. The rapid advancement far exceeded the five-year average of 66 percent for early May.
Rice emergence reached 61 percent, up sharply from 12 percent the previous week and well ahead of the 44 percent five-year average.
Soybeans advance quickly
Soybean planting across 18 states reached 33 percent complete, advancing from 10 percent the prior week and running ahead of last year’s 28 percent pace. The 23-percentage-point weekly gain reflects improved field conditions and extended work hours as producers capitalize on favorable planting windows.
