May 12, 2026
U.S. Corn 57% Planted vs. 52% Average, Soy 49% vs. 36% Average
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Corn planting- 2026 U.S. corn was 57% planted as of Sunday compared to 59% last year and 52% average. This represents an increase of 19% for the week. Corn was 23% emerged compared to 26% last year and 19% average. This represents an increase of 10% for the week.
U.S. farmers made good progress last week planting corn. Some of the states furthest ahead of average are Indiana 51% vs 37%, Ohio 37% vs 23%, and Minnesota 68% vs. 55%. The two major states behind average are Michigan 17% vs. 28% and Wisconsin 31% vs. 33%.
Corn planting continues to proceed ahead of average with emergence slowed due to recent cool temperatures. There may be a few patches of isolated light frost early this week across the more northern locations. The 2026 U.S. corn acreage could end up 1-2 million acres less than the 95.33 million acres estimated in the Perspective Plantings Report. The 2026 U.S. corn yield is estimated at between 180 to 182 bu/ac which is below last year due to a potential reduction in fertilizer usage.
Soybean planting - 2026 U.S. soybeans were 49% planted as of Sunday compared to 45% last year and 36% average. This represents an increase of 16% for the week. Soybeans were 20% emerged compared to 16% last year and 12% average. This represents an advance of 7% for the week.
Soybean planting continues well ahead of average with the states furthest ahead of average including Nebraska 64% vs. 44%, Indiana 51% vs. 32%, and Minnesota 51% vs. 33%. The only major state behind average is Michigan 12% vs. 26%.
The 2026 U.S. soybean acreage could end up 1-2 million acres more than the 84.70 million acres estimated in the Perspective Plantings Report. The 2026 U.S. soybean yield is estimated at 52.0 bu/ac.
Weather - Only light showers occurred across the eastern Corn Belt over the weekend allowing planting to continue. The Midwest will see light rain tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday which should not result in major planting delays. Soil moisture will become less favorable across the U.S. under a dryer pattern expected this week.