As of May 16, 2025, 62% of the U.S. corn crop has been planted, ahead of both last year’s pace (47%) and the 5-year average of 56% (Table 1). Favorable weather conditions last week allowed farmers across much of the Corn Belt and northern states to make strong progress. Southern states continue to lead progress, with Texas (84%), North Carolina (86%), and Tennessee (76%) nearing completion of early vegetative establishment. Across the Corn Belt, planting activity accelerated sharply. Iowa climbed to 76%, Minnesota reached 75%, and Nebraska advanced to 73%, all well ahead of their historical averages. Illinois also made significant gains, jumping from 32% to 54%. While Ohio (25%) and Wisconsin (44%) remain behind their average pace. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions are expected to support continued improvement in seedbed preparation, emergence, and early stand establishment in the coming weeks. In Indiana, the USDA-NASS report indicates that 45% of[Read More…]