Crop Progress shows numbers near expectations.

The first weekly Crop Progress report was released for the year. This shows progress as of Sunday, March 31.

Corn plantings were estimated at 2% complete. That was on the expectation and just over the 1% five year average. This is still very early for the year. In fact, there were only two other years with a start so soon. They were only as of April 1 (2001 at 1% and 2012 at 3%).

Winter wheat ratings ended last fall at 50% good/excellent. They started off this spring series of numbers at 56%. That was just under the 57% expectation (ALDL 58%). This is the best start for spring in ratings in eight years.

The first spring wheat planting estimate was released at 1% complete. That was just under the 2% expectation (ALDL 2%). Technically, this is still quite early for planting. Since the spring wheat data series was started in 1994 there were only three other years with such an early start. All three started on April 1 rather than today's March 31. They are 2001 at 1%, 2007 at 3% and 2012 at 8%.

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