US corn crop now at 70% planted with soybeans at 52%

HOUSTON (ICIS)–US farmers continue to overcome their recent weather challenges and have now reached 70% of the corn crop planted with soybeans at 52%, according to the latest US Department of Agriculture (USDA) weekly crop progress report.

Reflecting some of the wet field conditions, the current pace of the corn sowings is trailing both the 76% achieved in 2023 and the five-year average of 71%.

North Carolina remains ahead of the other key corn states with 98% of its crop planted, followed by Texas at 85%.

There is now 40% of the corn crop which has emerged. It is lagging the 46% achieved in 2023, but the current rate is slightly ahead of the five-year average of 39%.

Soybean plantings are 52% completed, with this pace behind the 61% level reached last year but it is above the five-year average of 49%.

Mississippi remains the leading state for soybean plantings at 86% completed, with Arkansas now at 82%.

There is 26% of the crop which has emerged; this is less than the 31% seen in 2023, yet it is ahead of the five-year average of 21%.

For the other key crops, the USDA said cotton plantings have reached 44% completed, with sorghum at 32% and spring wheat now at 79%.