News

U.S. planting pace remains slower than average

The slow start to planting for corn and spring wheat continued last week as weather from late winter and early spring continues to affect fields.

The USDA says that as of Sunday, 6% of the U.S. corn crop is planted, compared to 5% a year ago and the five-year average of 12%, with all of the top production states steady to slower than normal.

Just 5% of spring wheat is planted, compared to 3% last year and the usual pace of 22%.

Soybean planting is underway at 1%, compared to 2% on average.

62% of winter wheat is rated good to excellent, up 2% on the week and double this time last year, with 9% of the crop headed, compared to 12% a year ago and 18% on average.

Nationally, 65% of topsoil and 67% of subsoil have adequate moisture levels.