May 14, 2024
U.S. Corn 49% Planted vs. 54% Average, Soy 35% vs. 34% Average
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Corn Planted - The 2024 U.S. corn was 49% planted as of Sunday compared to 60% last year and 54% average. This represents an advance of 13% for the week. Corn was 23% emerged compared to 25% last year and 21% average.
Corn planting remained slightly behind the average pace with some of the biggest states the furthest behind. The corn in Illinois is 42% planted which is 14% behind average, Iowa is 57% which is 13% behind, Nebraska is 55% which is 11% behind, and South Dakota is 32% which is 8% behind. The furthest ahead is Ohio at 36% planted which is 12% ahead of average.
With several waves of showers forecasted to move across the Midwest this week, the planting pace next Monday should remain behind average.
Corn Production - The 2024 U.S. corn planted acreage is estimated at 90.0 million acres with a harvested acreage of 82.2 million acres (91.3% of planted). The yield is estimated at 179.0 bu/ac resulting in a production of 14.71 billion bushels.
With 49% of the corn planted on May 12th and more rain in the forecast, we are getting close to the point where the nationwide corn yield might start to decline due to late planting. If the 2024 U.S. corn is less than 80% planted by next Monday, May 20th, (which is likely the case) a nationwide corn yield of 179.0 bu/ac could be in doubt.
Soybeans Planted - The 2024 U.S. soybeans were 35% planted as of Sunday compared to 45% last year and 34% average. This represents an advance of 10% for the week. Soybeans were 16% emerged compared to 17% last year and 10% average.
The soybean planting is now just 1% ahead of average with some of the big states furthest behind. Iowa is 39% planted which is 11% behind average, Nebraska is 37% which is 9% behind, Minnesota is 26% which is 8% behind, Illinois is 39% which is 4% behind. The southern states have done better in soybean planting. Arkansas is 76% planted which is 30% ahead of average, Mississippi is 79% which is 19% ahead, and Missouri is 36% which is 11% ahead.
Soybean Production - The 2024 U.S. soybean planted acreage is estimated at 86.5 million acres with a harvested acreage of 85.5 million acres (98.9% of planted). The soybean yield is estimated at 52.0 bu/ac resulting in a production of 4.44 billion bushels.
A delay in soybean planting is not as important as it is for corn. If the weather is beneficial in July and August, a delay in the soybean planting may not have a negative impact on the potential soybean yield if planting is not excessively late.
Weather - Rainfall in the U.S. over the weekend favored the southern and eastern areas. Rain is expected across much of the Midwest and Delta this week which should further slow planting progress, especially in the wettest areas.