USDA Report Shows Slow Planting Pace

According to the latest USDA report, nationwide, five percent of the corn is planted. That compares to 15 percent last year and in the long term average. Two percent of the soybeans are planted across the country, which is slightly behind last year, but is on par with the average for this time of the year. Three percent of the spring wheat is seeded. That’s well behind the average for this date which is 25 percent. In North Dakota, subsoil moisture supplies are rated 52 percent adequate to surplus. Winter wheat is rated 30 percent good-to-excellent. The weekly crop progress report indicates calving is 66 percent complete, down from 70 percent for the five-year average. In Minnesota, it has been too cold and wet for fieldwork to begin. There’s standing water in some fields and most areas are still dealing with frost in the ground. Subsoil moisture supplies in Minnesota are at 97 percent adequate to surplus. In South Dakota, two percent of the spring wheat is seeded. That’s well behind the 72 percent pace one year ago. Winter wheat is rated 20 percent good to excellent.