At this point in April, the majority of the farmers have buckled in for spring planting. And with another week of favorable conditions in the tractor’s rearview mirror, USDA has released the latest update on planting progress.
As of April 27, the report calculates 24% of corn and 18% of soybeans are in the ground. That’s up from 12% for corn and 8% for soybeans at this time last week.
The most progress since the last report goes to:
Corn
- North Carolina (18% gain)
- Minnesota (17% gain)
- Iowa, Tennessee and South Dakota (16% gain)
Soybeans
- Mississippi (19% gain)
- Iowa and Louisiana (14% gain)
- Arkansas (13% gain)
Progress up to this point is right on track with last year — with corn 1% behind and soybeans 1% ahead of the 2024 numbers.
Good Conditions To Go Around
With warm, sunny weather and rain where it’s needed, farmers are starting to feel cautiously optimistic for what’s ahead this growing season.
Started beans today. I thought the conditions were great before the rain the other day, even better now. After the last 2 wet miserable planting seasons I'll take it. Hopefully I don't jink myself #plant25 #notill pic.twitter.com/B3azISX2PF
— Bryan Biegler (@BryanBiegs) April 26, 2025
This oughta ease some drought concerns for a while around here. Already double what the forecast was pic.twitter.com/ENOizKjJGu
— Jacob Birklid (@NDSodbuster) April 28, 2025
In fact, conditions have been so good, some growers (like this Minnesota farmer) are way ahead of schedule.
And just like that, 2025 corn is planted. I can only remember being done with corn in April once before. #plant25 @MSP_Traffic pic.twitter.com/kBzZVPpxEz
— Shawn Anderson (@AndersonSM24680) April 27, 2025
They might even be wondering, “What’s the catch?”
It will either be a bin buster or a drought. It will be one or the other, I have not seen ground work up this nice in several years pic.twitter.com/klaAIP5GHx
— Greg Zimpleman (@gregzimpleman) April 27, 2025
Maybe it’s the ongoing windy conditions.
Planting soybeans into a great stand of rye. You can see the dirt blowing in the distance.
— Ben Longlet 🇺🇸🌽🌱 (@blonglet) April 26, 2025
38mph wind gusts at the moment pic.twitter.com/JqipfrVtFk
Or the forecast for the week ahead.
Let’s get crackin’! But actually let’s wait until after all this predicted hail tomorrow night…. pic.twitter.com/Zky90AX0x8
— Nicole Stecklein (@NicoleStecklein) April 27, 2025
🚨Here's our updated thinking for severe weather threats on Tuesday. Greatest timeframe of concern is from 1PM - 9PM ET. All hazards on the table. pic.twitter.com/WjSUuScifW
— BAM Weather (@bam_weather) April 27, 2025
Whether you’ll be making progress this week, or on a severe weather delay, take a lesson from this farmer-in-training. Grab a snack, pet your dog and catch your breath.
Tractor naps were the best pic.twitter.com/bzP1IF0798
— C Bar J (@CbarJRanch) April 27, 2025
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