May 27, 2014 — This past week has been “catch-up” week for U.S. corn and soybean growers as decent weather throughout the Corn Belt and beyond allowed many farmers to finally get their crops planted.

Today, USDA reported that 88% of corn has been planted in the 18 states that accounted for 91% of all U.S. corn acreage last year. That jumped planted acreage up by 15% in the past week, and evens it up with the 5-year average of 88%. This puts it up by 4% compared to May 25, 2013, which was 84%.

Despite a solid weather week, several states are still lagging their 5-year averages: 

• Michigan is at 53% planted vs. 5-year average of 82%.

• Minnesota is at 81% planted vs. 5-year average of 92%.

• North Dakota is at 67% planted vs. 5-year average of 75%.

• Minnesota is at 81% planted vs. 5-year average of 92%.

• Ohio is at 69% planted vs. 5-year average of 74%.

• Pennsylvania is at 63% planted vs. 5-year average of 74%.

• Wisconsin is at 67% planted vs. 5-year average of 80%. 

On the other hand, major corn producing state Illinois, Indiana and Iowa have all surpassed their 5-year average.

USDA also reported that 60% of corn acreage planted so far has emerged. This compares with 34% one week ago, 49% one year ago and 64% 5-year average.

Since last week when only 33% of soybean acreage was planted, as of Sunday 59% of soybeans were in the ground. This compares with 41% one year ago and the 5-year average of 56%. 

Soybean acres emerged rose to 25% as of May 25 vs. 9% one week ago and 12% one year ago. The 5-year average for soybeans planted on this date is 27%.