Crop progress for most U.S. crops ahead of average

Crop progress for most U.S. crops ahead of averageThe Department of Agriculture has said that crop progress for most U. S. crops remains ahead of average, but a torrid early start to the year has slowed.

It has been reported that corn planting is 87 percent done, still ahead of its five-year average of 78 percent done for this week of the year. Corn emergence, at 55 percent, is well head of the historic average of 39 percent.

Soybean planting is 38 percent done, compared to an historic average of 35 percent. A week ago, however, soybean planting was 11 percentage points above the historic average.

The USDA said on Monday that cotton planting is 47 percent done, compared to an historic average of 46 percent. Rice remains ahead of schedule with planting 90 percent compete compared to an average of 83 percent for this week of the year.

Oat planting is 92 percent done, but behind its historic average by 1 percentage point.

79 percent of the spring wheat crop was planted, also 1 percentage point behind the five-year average. Fifty-two percent of the winter wheat crop had headed out, compared to an historic average of 56 percent for this week of the year, the USDA further added. (With inputs from Agencies)