USDA Reports Mixed Crop Progress: Corn and Soybeans Surge, Wheat Conditions Decline
The USDA's latest Crop Progress report, released on May 11, 2026, highlights significant developments in U.S. agriculture. Corn planting has reached 57% completion across the top 18 corn-growing states, surpassing the five-year average of 52%. Soybean planting is also ahead of schedule, with 49% of the crop planted compared to the five-year average of 36%. However, winter wheat conditions have deteriorated, with only 28% rated as good or excellent, a sharp decline from last year's 54%. Spring wheat planting is slightly ahead of the five-year average at 53%, while oat planting is progressing well at 76% completion. Despite these advancements, oat emergence is lagging behind historical trends, with only 50% of the crop emerged compared to the five-year average of 52%. 
