The USDA released its sixth Crop Progress report Monday afternoon. These reports run weekly through the end of November and look at the progress and condition of various crops on a national and state-by-state scale.
CORN
As of Sunday, the report pegged corn planted at 22%, compared with 50% for the previous five-year average; 5% has emerged compared with 15% for the previous five-year average.
SOYBEANS
As of Sunday, the report has 12% of soybeans planted, compared with 24% for the previous five-year average; 3% has emerged compared with 4% for the previous five-year average.
WHEAT
Spring wheat planted was reported at 27% compared with 47% for the prior five-year average; 9% has emerged compared with 15% for the previous five-year average.
Winter wheat headed came in at 33% vs. the 40% five-year average. Winter wheat condition was 29% good/excellent and 39% poor/very poor. This compares with the previous year average of 49% good/excellent and 18% poor/very poor.
OATS
Oats planted was reported at 55% vs. the five-year average of 71%, and 36% of oats had emerged as of May 8, compared with 50% for the previous five-year average.
TOPSOIL
The report also indicated that nationwide, topsoil moisture is rated as 56% adequate and 18% surplus. The previous year was 55% adequate and 11% surplus.
“The USDA Crop progress report today showed corn plantings at 22%. This is below what the trade had expected and is behind last year’s pace of 64% and the five-year average of 50%,” says Al Kluis. “It is very important to watch how much corn and spring wheat have emerged in the USDA Crop Progress reports. This week the USDA reported that 5% of the corn has emerged; this is 10% behind normal. For spring wheat, emergence is reported at 9% compared with the 15% five-year average.”
About the report: Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to the USDA. The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Most respondents complete the questionnaire on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the Crop Progress Report.
