USDA is reporting that only 4% of corn acres and 15% of soybeans are still to be planted as of June 23, 2019.

Farmers managed to get another 4% of their corn in the ground in the past week, taking the total percentage of acres planted to 96% (vs. 92% the previous week). At this point a year ago, 100% of corn had been planted. The 5 year average for this date is also 100%.

The ag agency is also reporting that 89% of this year’s corn crop has emerged, up 10% from 79% on June 16. On this date is 2018, 100% of corn acres were considered “emerged,” with the 5 year average at 99%.

The June 23 report indicated about 77% of the current corn crop is rated as “good” (58%) and “excellent” (19%). Another 18% is said to be in “fair” condition and 5% in either “poor” (4%) or “very poor” condition.

In the past week farmers managed to get another 8% of their soybeans in the ground, taking the percentage of acres planted to 85% (vs. 77 the previous week). This compares with 100% planted at this point a year ago and the 5 year average of 97%.

The percentage of soybean acres emerged jumped 16% compared to a week earlier, to 71% vs. 55% for the week ending June 16, 2019. A year ago on this date, 94% of soybeans had been planted and the 5 year average is 91%.

USDA issued its first “condition” update for soybeans with its latest Crop Progress. So far 73% of soybean acres are rated as “good” (58%) and “excellent” (15%). Some 22% is said to be in “fair” condition and about 5% in “poor” (4%) and “very poor” (1%) condition.