The USDA weekly crop report released on 6 May show spring sowings continue to be a long way behind normal years.

Maize planting was only 12% in the 18 states which represent 92% of the 2012 corn acreages compared to the previous 4 year average of 47% and down from 69% for the same time last year. Emergence is also well behind with only 3% of the crop up compared to previous 4 year average of 15%.

Soyabean planting shows a similar trend. In the main soyabean growing areas only 2% of the crop had been sown by the end of last week compared to the previous 4 year average of 12%.

Spring wheat sowing in the six main states was at 23% by the end of last week down from 82% for the same time last year and down from the previous 4 year average of 50%. Emergence figures show only 5% of the crop up compared to 43% last year and 19% on previous 4 year average.

Winter wheat crops aren't doing so well either. In the 18 states representing the main growing area 39% of the crop is recorded as in very poor or poor condition. 32% of the crop is ranked as in good or excellent condition down from 63% last year. With growth limited by unseasonably cool weather in many of the major producing states, this represents the slowest development pace since 1993, according to the USDA weekly crop report. In Texas, many winter wheat fields were being baled for hay due to damage caused by dry, windy, or sub-freezing conditions.

Markets were little affected by this slow crop progress as the weather is forecast to improve allowing growers to catch up quickly with plantings. However, the Chicago wheat market rose a little on the crop condition news.

There are also concerns over unfavourable weather conditions for the European crop. Rain is expected in Western Australia as winter wheat sowing gets underway but production in Australia’s east may decline if dry weather continues, according to Emerald Group Australia Pty.