According to the USDA, corn and soybean planting progress remained ahead of five year average levels during the week ending May 3^rd. Corn: Corn plantings as of the week ending May 3^rd were 51% completed, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of 27% completed and the five year average pace of 39% completed. Corn planting progress finished at a four year high seasonal pace and was above average analyst expectations of 48% completed. An additional 24% percent of the total U.S. corn crop was planted during the week ending May 3^rd. Weekly increases in corn plantings on a percentage basis were led by Nebraska, followed by Iowa and Washington. Corn emergence as of the week ending May 3^rd was eight percent completed, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of three percent completed but behind the five year average pace of ten percent completed. Soybeans: Soybean plantings as of the week ending May 3^rd were 23% completed, finishing ahead of last year’s pace of five percent completed and the five year average pace of 11% completed. Soybean planting progress finished at a four year high seasonal pace and was above average analyst expectations of 21% completed. An additional 15% of the total U.S. soybean crop was planted during the week ending May 3^rd. Weekly increases in soybean plantings on a percentage basis were led by Iowa, followed by Minnesota and Nebraska.