Corn planting increased to 17% as of Sunday, which topped some trade forecasts, with big gains noted in Illinois, Indiana, and a few southern states.

The 17% still trailed last year’s 28% and the five-year average of 18%, USDA’s weekly crop progress report showed. Corn emergence was 4%, which matched last year and the average.

USDA added soybean planting on Monday and it was 6%, which beat many trade forecasts and was ahead of last year’s 3% and the average of 3%. Most of the planting was in the south, but Illinois was at 4% and Indiana 3%.

Winter wheat remained at 54% good to excellent, but the excellent rating gained 1 point to 9% while good slipped 1 to 45%.

"Despite the decline in the Vegetation Health Index this week for winter wheat, crop ratings actually showed a slight improvement, adding about a tenth of a bushel per acre in yield potential," said Bryce Knorr, Farm Futures senior grain market analyst. "My models now show a range of 46.5 bpa to 49.2 bpa."

Iowa corn was 8% planted versus 36% a year ago and the 14 average. Warm, dry weather during the weekend allowed farmers in the fields to plant corn and oats. No soybeans were reported planted.

Illinois corn planting jumped to 34% from last week’s 6% and was 5% emerged. There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork.

Nebraska corn jumped to 17% planted and 2% emerged, both of which were up from last year and the averages.

“Significant rainfall was limited to a few north central counties and some eastern areas. Corn planting was underway in most areas and the first fields of soybeans were planted,” Nebraska said. Four percent of the soybeans were planted there versus the 1% average.

Topsoil moisture was adequate to plentiful throughout the Midwest with Iowa reporting 99% adequate to surplus, Illinois 94%, Indiana 95% and Nebraska 73%.

Kansas winter wheat improved 1 point to 52% good/excellent. Oklahoma’s improved 1 point to 44% while Texas wheat was unchanged at 42%.

“The state continued to receive some rain, with eastern counties receiving 1 to 2 inches. The additional moisture continued to aid wheat development,” Kansas said.

Rain in Oklahoma eased drought conditions except in the east-central area. Statewide topsoil moisture was rated 3% surplus, 68% adequate, 22% short and 7% very short.

Spring wheat planting reached 22% and emergence 5%, compared with the 34% and 8% averages. North Dakota spring wheat was 9% planted versus the 22% average and 2% emerged versus the 4% average.

“Cold soil temperatures and snow continued to slow fieldwork and planting progress across the state,” North Dakota said.

Corn planting in North Dakota was at 1% versus the 4% average.

Sorghum was 24% planted nationwide versus 19% a year ago and the average of 23%. Louisiana was farthest along at 79% followed by Texas at 65%.