USDA Crop Progress Report summary for May 18, 2026

CORN PROGRESS

U.S. Corn Percent Planted as of May 17, 2026, was 76% (+19%) compared to 76% this week last year and 70% 5-yr average.

U.S. Corn Emergence as of May 17, 2026, was 39% (+16%) compared to 47% this week last year and 37% 5-yr average.

SOYBEAN PROGRESS

U.S. Soybean Percent Planted as of May 17, 2026, was 67% (+18%) compared to 63% this week last year and 53% 5-yr average.

U.S. Soybean Emergence as of May 17, 2026, was 32% (+12%) compared to 32% this week last year and 23% 5-yr average.

Today’s report is neutral for corn prices. Today’s USDA estimate for corn planting progress is equal to last year, 6 points ahead of the 5-year average and 1 point above market expectations. However, corn emergence is 8 points below last year and just 2 points above the 5-year average.

Today’s report is neutral for soybean prices, with the soybean planting pace 4 points above year-ago, 14 points above the 5-year average and just 1 point above market expectations. Soybean emergence is now equal to last year’s pace and 9 points above the 5-year average.

19% of the nation’s corn crop was planted last week, matching the previous week’s advancement and doubling the percentage of the crop planted relative to just two weeks ago. Over 60% of the corn crop is now planted in all but 4 of the states that the USDA tracks. Only Pennsylvania (43%), Michigan (47%), Ohio (52%) and North Dakota (58%) are below 60% planted. Kansas (-5) and Michigan (-5) are the only two states well below the 5-year average. Soybean planting at the national level has also doubled compared to two weeks ago.

Though above-average precipitation is expected in the extended forecasts, most of the remaining crop is expected to be planted in a timely manner. Warmer weather ahead should give a boost to crop development.

SOURCE: Pioneer, Ron Sabatka