For the week ending May 21, temperatures averaged three to five degrees below normal, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Significant rainfall of two inches or more was recorded across the majority of counties; however, rainfall totals of three inches or more were recorded across the southeast. Producers made planting progress during the early part of the week, but wet conditions kept farmers out of the field for the remainder of the week. There were 2.1 days suitable for fieldwork.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0%% very short, 5% short, 74% adequate, and 21% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1% very short, 6% short, 80% adequate, and 13% surplus.

Field Crops Report

• Corn planting was at 87%, near 88% last year and 91% for the five-year average. Emerged was 52%, near 48% last year, but behind the five-year average of 57%.
  Nationally, of the 18 states producing 92% of the US corn crop:84% had been planted, equal to last year and near the five-year average of 85%. Emergence was at 54%, near 58% last year and the average of 55%
• Soybean planting was at 52%, near 50% last year, but behind the five-year average of 61%. Thirteen percent had emerged; near last year's 12% and the average of 21%.
  Nationally, of the 18 states producing 95% of the US soybean crop, 53% of the crop was planted, equal to last year and near the five-year average of 52%. Nationally, emergence was at 19%, near 20% last year, and the five-year average of 21%.
• Winter wheat condition rated 2% very poor, 12% poor, 41% fair, 41% good, and 4% excellent. Winter wheat jointed was 99%, ahead of 94% last year and the average of 86%. Headed was 61%, ahead of 42% last year and the average of 36%.
• Sorghum planting was at 18%, behind 28% last year and the average of 36%. Emerged was 6%.
• Oats condition rated 0% very poor, 0% poor, 22% fair, 74% good, and 4% excellent. Oats jointed was 46%, near 43% last year. Headed was 6%, equal to last year and near the 4% average.
• Alfalfa condition rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 12% fair, 76% good, and 11% excellent. Alfalfa first cutting was at 8%, near 12% last year, and behind the average of 17%.
  Pasture and range conditions rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 26% fair, 62% good, and 11% excellent.

Also see the national USDA NASS Crops Progress Report for information on neighboring states and other crops.