The USDA Crop Progress Report released on May 9th confirmed the slow pace of planting due to inclement weather.  Among the six major corn and soybean producing states, only 2.3 days were available for field-work during the week ending May 8th.  By this date 22 percent of the corn crop was in the ground compared to a four-year average of 50 percent.  A similar situation extended to soybeans with 12 percent planted compared to a four-year average of 24 percent.  Recent data shows progress with farmers making use of dawn and dusk light to plant where ground conditions permit.

The 2022 planting season is reminiscent of 2019 with delays in planting due to heavy rains resulting in a five percent reduction in harvest.

Inadequate topsoil moisture in Nebraska and Kansas is also delaying planting, affecting corn, soybeans and wheat with less than half the 4-year average in the ground to date.  Corn planted after mid-May will be subject to a lower yield.