By Blake Jackson
Favourable weather and strong soil moisture supported crop development in the Heartland region during the week ending May 11, 2025. According to the USDA’s NASS update, farmers reported 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork.
Topsoil moisture was rated 77% adequate and 14% surplus, while subsoil moisture reached 82% adequate and 10% surplus—helping ensure ideal crop planting and emergence conditions.
Corn planting progressed to 68%, slightly behind the five-year average of 71%, while corn emergence hit 43%, nearly matching the average of 45%.
Soybean planting reached 40%, significantly ahead of the 29% five-year average, with emergence at 17%, surpassing the 14% average.
Cotton planting made major strides, advancing to 54%, up from the 5-year average of 37%, and emergence was recorded at 13%. Rice planting reached 77%, outpacing the 69% average, with emergence reaching 51%, also ahead of the typical 49%.
Rice condition remained stable, with 82% of the crop rated good, 9% fair, 6% poor, and 3% excellent. Winter wheat heading was reported at 76%, ahead of the five-year average of 63%. The crop’s condition stood at 66% good, 18% fair, 12% excellent, and 4% poor.
“These weekly reports provide vital insights to help us track and plan our fieldwork more efficiently,” said a Heartland farmer.
The NASS provides full access to reports at www.nass.usda.gov and updates via @usda_nass on X. For further support, contact the Heartland Regional Field Office.
With strong planting progress and consistent moisture, the Heartland’s 2025 crop season is off to a healthy and productive start.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Missouri, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Weather