CHICAGO (RFD NEWS) — Spring planting is gaining momentum across the country, with early progress aligning closely with historical norms. The first U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Crop Progress report of the season is offering an early look at how planting is shaping up across the country. The latest report, released on April 6, shows 3 percent of the nation’s corn crop is planted—right in line with the five-year average.
Key Highlights:
- Corn planting is just getting underway, with 3 percent of the crop in the ground nationwide. Texas is leading the way, with nearly 60 percent planted, followed by Tennessee at 18 percent.
- Spring wheat planting is slightly behind average, with 2 percent planted compared to the five-year average of 3 percent.
- Meanwhile, winter wheat development is progressing, with 7 percent of the crop headed and 35 percent rated good-to-excellent.
In addition to Crop Progress, markets are also watching for the upcoming World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. However, traders say expectations for major changes remain low at this stage.
“The newswire is just gathering some of their estimates,” explains Brian Hoops. “We don’t have material changes in this report. A little bit of change in overall production yield expectations will be minimized here until we get into the May report, with maybe some adjustments to planted acres in this report and, of course, to demand trends. So we don’t really expect to see a lot of major influence coming out of that report.”
Analysts say attention will likely shift to future reports as the growing season progresses and more data becomes available.
Rich Nelson, Chief Strategist with Allendale, Inc., joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to share insight into what this early-season data could signal for the markets.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, Nelson explains that the Crop Progress report reflects a steady, typical start to planting, but notes that conditions can shift quickly depending on weather patterns in the weeks ahead. He also shares what he’s hearing directly from farmers as they begin to ramp up fieldwork.
Looking ahead, Nelson outlines his outlook for the growing season, pointing to ongoing geopolitical developments and their ripple effects on input costs, trade flows, and overall market sentiment. He also previewed expectations for this week’s upcoming WASDE report, explaining how updated supply and demand estimates could influence near-term commodity prices.
With multiple variables at play, Nelson highlights key factors he is watching closely, including weather trends, global demand signals, and continued volatility in input markets.
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