A warm and dry week made for excellent planting conditions, allowing 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 11, 2025, according to the USDA. Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 24 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 76 percent 8 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn emerged reached 30 percent, 4 days ahead of last year’s pace and 2 days ahead of normal. Sixty-four percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 16 percent.

Nearly all of the oat crop has been planted, with 74 percent emerged, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of normal. Reports of oats starting to head were received. Oat condition rated 85 percent good to excellent, up 6 percentage points from last week.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB