Corn planting across 18 major producing states reached 86% completion for the week ending May 24, 2026, according to the latest United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress report released Monday.
The national average trails the five-year average of 83% but shows improvement from 76% the previous week. Regional variations highlight weather impact across different growing areas.
North Carolina and Tennessee lead major corn states at 97% planted, while Pennsylvania lags significantly at 51% completion. Iowa, the nation’s top corn producer, reported 94% of its crop planted and Nebraska reached 92% completion, both just slightly ahead of historical averages for this period.
Indiana reported 76% planted, matching the five-year average, while Michigan showed strong progress at 75% completion. Southern states demonstrated varied results, with Kansas at 77% planted compared to its 79% historical average, and Texas reaching 92% completion.
Emergence rates follow planting trends
Corn emergence across the same 18 states averaged 60%, compared to the five-year average of 58%. Tennessee again led emergence rates at 92%, while several northern states including North Dakota showed slower development at just 26%.
Minnesota reported 66% emergence, ahead of its 58% average, while Iowa stood at 72% emerged versus a 68% historical average.
Other spring crops show mixed progress
Spring wheat planting reached 86% completion across six key states, slightly ahead of the 79% historical average. North Dakota, the nation’s largest spring wheat producer, reported 83% planted. Barley planting achieved 90% completion in five major states, with Montana at 90% and Idaho at 95%.
Soybean planting reached 79% completion nationally, trailing the 68% five-year average. Louisiana led at 95%, while Ohio reported just 57% planted.
Cotton planting in 15 major producing states reached 53% completion, matching the five-year average despite regional variations. California and Missouri reported 97% planted, while Oklahoma lagged at 60%.
Rice planting showed strong advancement at 93% complete across six states, matching the historical average.
