According to USDA, corn planting progress remained below previous year levels through the week ending May 6^th while soybean planting progress finished slightly above previous year levels. Corn: Corn plantings as of the week ending May 6^th were 39% complete, finishing below last year’s pace of 45% and the five year average pace of 44%. The majority of corn plantings have been completed throughout the Southeastern U.S. as of the week ending May 6^th. In addition, 74% of the Illinois corn crop and 40% of the Iowa corn crop has been planted. An additional 22% of the total U.S. corn crop was planted during the week ending May 6^th. Weekly increases in corn plantings on a percentage basis were led by Illinois, followed by Delaware and Maryland. The May 6^th weekly increase in corn plantings of 22% was slightly greater than the historical average seasonal increase of 20.9%. The 42% increase in corn plantings throughout the state of Illinois was the largest seasonal gain experienced throughout the past 19 years. Corn emergence as of the week ending May 6^th was 8% complete, finishing below last year’s pace of 14% and the five year average pace of 14%. Soybeans: Soybean plantings as of the week ending May 6^th were 15% complete, finishing slightly above last year’s pace of 13% and the five year average pace of 13%. The majority of soybean plantings have been completed throughout the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas as of the week ending May 6^th. An additional 10% of the total U.S. soybean crop was planted during the week ending May 6^th. Weekly increases in soybean plantings on a percentage basis were led by Louisiana, followed by Illinois and Indiana. The May 6^th weekly increase in soybean plantings of 10% was greater than the historical average seasonal increase of 6.5%. The 22% increase in soybean plantings throughout the state of Illinois tied for the largest seasonal gain experienced throughout the past 13 years.