USDA reported yesterday that corn planting in the U.S. continues slightly ahead of last year but it’s falling farther behind compared to the 5 year average.

So far only 6% of corn acres are planted in the 18 states that planted 91% of corn acreage last year. This compares with 3% as of April 20 of last year and 14%, the average acres planted during the past 5 years.

Of some of  the major corn producing states, Iowa has planted only 2% of its corn planted vs. its 5 year average of 11% (0% last year on this date); Illinois has 5% of its corn acres seeded compared to its 5 year average 22% (1% last year); Indiana has only planted 1% of its corn acres vs. 14% average over the past 5 years (0% a year ago.