Despite an excess of rain and cooler temperatures throughout the region, farmers are moving forward with corn planting, matching the 5-year average of acreage planted on this date, but behind last year’s pace. Progress with soybeans, on the other hand, is somewhat ahead of last year and the 5 year average for this date.

According to USDA, 34% of corn acres were planted as of April 30. This compares to 43% last year and the 5 year average of 34%.

As of Sunday, 9% of corn planted had emerged, which is behind last year’s pace of 12% and slightly ahead of the 5 year average of 8% of acres emerged for this date.

As of April 30, USDA is reporting that 10% of soybeans had been planted vs. 6% the previous week. At this point last year, only 6% of soybeans were in the ground, while the 5 year average is 7%.