Source:  MIchael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/17/11

Farmers had planted about 63 percent of the U.S. corn crop by May 15, continuing the surge from a week ago, according to the USDA. Despite the progress, though, the planting figure remains well below the 87 percent that was in the ground by this time last year and a five-year average of 75 percent.

In its weekly Crop Progress Report, USDA surveyed progress in the 18 states that produced 92 percent of the 2010 corn crop.

By May 15, about 21 percent of the corn crop had emerged, compared with 53 percent by this time last year and the five-year average of 39 percent.

To view progress by state, click here. 

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