According to the USDA, corn and soybean planting progress finished above five year average levels during the week ending Apr 26^th. Corn: Corn plantings as of the week ending Apr 26^th were 27% completed, finishing above last year’s pace of 12% completed and the five year average pace of 20% completed. Corn planting progress finished at a three year high seasonal pace and was above average analyst expectations of 22% completed. The majority of corn plantings have been completed throughout the states of Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, Mississippi and Oregon as of the week ending Apr 26^th. An additional 20% percent of the total U.S. corn crop was planted during the week ending Apr 26^th. Weekly increases in corn plantings on a percentage basis were led by Minnesota, followed by Iowa and Illinois. Soybeans: Soybean plantings as of the week ending Apr 26^th were eight percent completed, finishing above last year’s pace of two percent completed and the five year average pace of four percent completed. Soybean planting progress finished at a three year high seasonal pace and was consistent with average analyst expectations. An additional six percent of the total U.S. soybean crop was planted during the week ending Apr 26^th. Weekly increases in soybean plantings on a percentage basis were led by Texas, followed by Illinois.