Crop Progress – Planting progress increases with improved weather

Planting progress improved over the past week as producers were able to make the most of the good weather. Twenty seven percent of the corn crop is planted, up from seven percent last week and seven points over the five-year historical average of 20 percent. Minnesota and Iowa made the most progress during the week, planting 39 percent and 37 percent of their states projected totals. Iowa and Minnesota are also the states furthest ahead of their historical planting average pace, while Missouri is the furthest behind.  Missouri trails its average by 21 points. Days suitable for planting reached 5.3 in Iowa but only 3.6 in Missouri. Topsoil moisture is adequate throughout the Midwest and Plains states.  

Soybean planting experienced the same weather-related progress that corn did. Planting increased six points to eight percent complete and is four points…