Across the Corn Belt, despite recent and returning showers, nearly one-half (49%) of the U.S. corn and 35% of the soybeans had been planted by May 7, versus respective 5-year averages of 42 and 21%. Producers in Iowa planted 41% of their intended corn acreage and 33% of their soybeans during the week ending May 7.
On the Plains, increasingly showery conditions—primarily from Nebraska northward—are slowing fieldwork but benefiting winter wheat, spring-sown crops, and rangeland and pastures.