USDA reported today that 55% of corn acreage had been planted as of May 3, nearly tripling the 19% of planted acres from a week earlier and just about doubled the 28% of corn acres planted a year ago on the same date. The 55% in ground also easily surpassed the 5-year average of 38% planted.

The ag agency also reported that about 9% of the corn crop had emerged as of Sunday, up from 2% a week ago and 6% a year ago. The 5-year average for corn emerged by this same date is 12%.

Soybean plantings also saw strong progress last week. Through May 3, 13% of soybean acres had been planted vs. 2% in the prior week and 5% last year on the same date. Soybean planted acres through Sunday also surpassed the 5-year average of 9%.