And we are up. Fields across Missouri are showing signs of growth as acres of brown dirt give way to rows of green corn plants.

According to the latest USDA Crop Progress Report, Missouri is nearing the finish line on corn planting with 81% of its acres planted as of today. The state remains well ahead of last year by 64 percentage points. Areas like central and west central Missouri have roughly 95% and 92% of their corn acres already planted.

SOAKING UP THE SUN: Corn plants are up in the Missouri River bottoms. The state is wrapping up corn planting 2016.

Warmer temperatures, along with rain, pushed seedlings out of the ground in many areas of the state. At least 24% of the planted corn acres have emerged, with fields in central Missouri leading the charge. In that region, 56% of the corn has already emerged from the ground. Other areas like west central and north central are seeing roughly one-quarter of their corn plants coming through the soil.

Not emerging, but planting

Farmers in eastern Missouri are bouncing back from a disappointing planting season start. Last week, farmers in this area saw just 24% of their corn acres planted. This week the area jumped to 65%.

While the region remains behind the state average, it is still well ahead of last year. In addition, many farmers in this area were helped by the warmer weather over the weekend as tractors and planters were running hard.

Jumping to soybeans

With the early corn season for some areas of Missouri, already farmers are switching to planting soybeans. A move that in many areas of the state is reserved for after May 1.

Farmers in crop reporting districts--except southwest Missouri--report planting at least some soybean acres, ranging from 2% to 6%. Statewide, soybean planting is estimated at 5%.

The state is looking at sever weather during the midweek with heavy rains and hail.