According to the USDA, corn and soybean planting progress remained ahead of five year average levels but finished below analyst expectations during the week ending May 17^th. Corn: Corn plantings as of the week ending May 17^th were 80% completed, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of 44% completed and the five year average pace of 71% completed. Corn planting progress finished at a three year high seasonal pace but was slightly below average analyst expectations of 81% completed. An additional 13% percent of the total U.S. corn crop was planted during the week ending May 17^th. Weekly increases in corn plantings on a percentage basis were led by Delaware, followed by Maryland and Idaho. Corn emergence as of the week ending May 17^th was 43% completed, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of 16% completed and the five year average pace of 40% completed. Soybeans: Soybean plantings as of the week ending May 17^th were 53% completed, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of 16% completed and the five year average pace of 38% completed. Soybean planting progress finished tied for a four year high seasonal pace but was below average analyst expectations of 56% completed. An additional 15% of the total U.S. soybean crop was planted during the week ending May 17^th. Weekly increases in soybean plantings on a percentage basis were led by Wisconsin, followed by Nebraska and Michigan. Soybean emergence as of the week ending May 17^th was 18% completed, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of four percent completed and the five year average pace of 12% completed.