This week marks the beginning of our weekly coverage of Crop Conditions and Progress, as we are now in the heart of the growing season and the market focuses in on the crop in the ground.
Corn
In the week ended May 3 U.S. corn planting was 38% completed, exactly in line with last year and 4pts ahead of the 5 year average. Emergence, while very early in the season, is well ahead of last year.
Soybeans
Soybean planting continues at a record pace, 33% complet nationally, up 10 points this week and 10 points ahead of the five year average. Emergence is also at a record pace.
Most the the aggressive quick planting is in the south, take a look at the delta, and Kentucky and Tennessee in particular.
Wheat
Winter wheat conditions have been in focus as of late, and this week was the first sign of improvrement this year, as the G/E rating improved 1 point to 31% G/E, vs the five year average of 42%.
Spring wheat planting has been slow, dragged down by MN.
Cotton
Cotton planting pace varies very little from year to year on a national level, and that remains the case this year. Louisiana is at 15% planted vs. the five year average of 25%, North Carolina is also behind at 12% vs. 28%. Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee are well ahead.
Rice
Rice planting progress has been ahead of pace all year, emergence has also been quick. Arkansas and Mississippi both well ahead of their five year averages.
