According to USDA, corn planting progress remained slightly behind previous year levels through the week ending May 13^th while soybean planting progress finished ahead of previous year levels. Corn: Corn plantings as of the week ending May 13^th were 62% complete, finishing behind last year’s pace of 68% and the five year average pace of 63%. The majority of corn plantings have been completed throughout the Southeastern U.S. as of the week ending May 13^th. In addition, 90% of the Illinois corn crop and 65% of the Iowa corn crop has been planted. An additional 23% of the total U.S. corn crop was planted during the week ending May 13^th. Weekly increases in corn plantings on a percentage basis were led by Ohio and Washington, followed by Indiana and Minnesota. The May 13^th weekly increase in corn plantings of 23% was slightly greater than the historical average seasonal increase of 20.5%. Corn emergence as of the week ending May 13^th was 28% complete, finishing slightly behind last year’s pace of 29% but slightly ahead of the five year average pace of 27%. Soybeans: Soybean plantings as of the week ending May 13^th were 35% complete, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of 29% and the five year average pace of 26%. The majority of soybean plantings have been completed throughout the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Illinois and Indiana as of the week ending May 13^th. An additional 20% of the total U.S. soybean crop was planted during the week ending May 13^th. Weekly increases in soybean plantings on a percentage basis were led by Illinois, followed by Indiana and Nebraska. The May 13^th weekly increase in soybean plantings of 20% was greater than the historical average seasonal increase of 13.2%. The 37% increase in soybean plantings throughout the state of Illinois tied for the largest seasonal gain experienced throughout the past 30 years. Soybean emergence as of the week ending May 13^th was 10% complete, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of 7% and the five year average pace of 6%.