Organized, beneficial rains expanding on the northern, central Plains

Across the Corn Belt, despite recent and returning showers, nearly one-half (49%) of the U.S. corn and 35% of the soybeans had been planted by May 7, versus respective 5-year averages of 42 and 21%.  Producers in Iowa planted 41% of their intended corn acreage and 33% of their soybeans during the week ending May 7. 

On the Plains, increasingly showery conditions—primarily from Nebraska northward—are slowing fieldwork but benefiting winter wheat, spring-sown crops, and rangeland and pastures. 

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