Crop Progress Report: Spring Planting Season Begins

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its first Crop Progress report of the season, providing insights into the progress of key crops across the country.

Corn Planting Progress

The report indicates that as of April 6, 2% of this year’s corn crop has been planted in the top 18 corn-growing states, aligning with the five-year average of 2%. Six states have already begun planting corn, with Texas leading at 59%.

Oat Crop Progress

Planting of oats across the nine major oat-growing states is ahead of schedule, with 31% already planted, surpassing the five-year average of 28%. Additionally, a quarter of the oat crop has already emerged, slightly ahead of the average.

Winter Wheat Progress

USDA reported that 5% of the winter wheat crop in five key states had headed as of April 6, matching the five-year average. Winter wheat conditions were reported as 48% good/excellent, 31% fair, and 21% poor/very poor.

Spring Wheat Progress

In the top spring wheat-producing states, 3% of the crop has been planted, in line with the five-year average. Idaho leads the way with 21% of its spring wheat crop already in the ground.

These early planting indicators provide a glimpse into the upcoming growing season and set the stage for monitoring crop development in the weeks to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on crop progress as the planting season continues.