The 2026 planting season is off to a slow start, with limited progress reported across major crops, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report released April 6. Corn planting remains minimal in key states, while cotton planting shows early activity in select southern regions. Soil moisture conditions continue to vary widely, impacting fieldwork and crop development.
Among 18 states that accounted for 91% of 2025 corn acreage, planting progress was generally low as of April 5. Tennessee reported 18% of corn planted, Missouri 8%, Kansas 5%, and Kentucky 6%, while several states including Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa showed little to no planting. The 3% overall progress marks a slightly faster pace compared to the historical average of 2%.
Cotton planting, concentrated in 15 states covering 99% of 2025 acreage, showed early activity primarily in Texas 8% and California 10%, with other states reporting minimal progress.
Sorghum planting data were limited, with South Dakota and Texas reporting 1% and 46% planted, respectively. Rice planting in six states showed mixed progress, with Arkansas at 30% planted and Louisiana at 7%.
Winter wheat conditions varied across 18 states, with 35% rated good to excellent nationally. States like California and Washington reported higher percentages of excellent wheat, while drought-affected areas showed poorer conditions.
Topsoil and subsoil moisture remain concerns in several states, with some reporting very short or short moisture levels, potentially affecting planting and crop emergence.
Days suitable for fieldwork varied, with some states reporting as few as one day and others up to seven days suitable during the week ending April 5.
