USDA’s May 16, 2022 crop-progress update reported that 49% of corn and 30% of soybeans had been planted by Sunday, May 15. Those shares were more than double the prior week’s reported levels, but both crops remained behind their five-year averages for that point in the season. This is a historical update, not a current planting report.
How much corn and soybeans had been planted?
For the week ending May 15, 2022, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimated that 49% of corn acreage and 30% of soybean acreage had been planted. The matching Successful Farming report said those figures were below the five-year averages for that week.
| Crop | Planted by May 15, 2022 | Five-year average for that week | Difference from average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn | 49% | 67% | 18 percentage points behind |
| Soybeans | 30% | 39% | 9 percentage points behind |
The figures and same-week averages are reported by Successful Farming from USDA NASS. The comparison is between planting progress at the same point in the season, not a comparison of final acreage or harvest results.
Why did USDA say planting more than doubled?
The phrase describes the change in reported national planting progress from one weekly report to the next. USDA NASS reported 22% of corn and 12% of soybeans planted by May 8; by May 15, the shares were 49% and 30%.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- GROW THE SWEETEST, MOST TENDER HEIRLOOM CORN - Each packet contains 100 seeds of Golden Bantam corn (Zea mays). This cherished variety is known for its exceptional flavor and reliable harvests. Perfect for home gardeners seeking authentic, time-tested varieties.
- SWEET CORN SEEDS FOR BEGINNERS & PROS. These vegetable seeds for planting outdoors are ideal for all skill levels. Hardy and adaptable, they thrive in full sun and a variety of soils. With low-maintenance care, enjoy growing your own corn seeds from a trusted heirloom variety loved for its sweet, tender kernels.
- PERFECT FOR MOST REGIONS – COOL CLIMATE FRIENDLY. Designed to grow in USDA zones 3-11, these corn seeds are resilient and adapt to temperatures from 65°F to 95°F. Direct sow seeds outdoors for best results—no transplanting needed. Your garden will be filled with tall, healthy stalks reaching up to 6 feet.
- MATURES EARLY FOR QUICK HARVESTS. Enjoy a bountiful crop in just 75-80 days. Each Golden Bantam stalk produces 1-2 ears of corn with 8-12 kernel rows. Perfect for backyard gardens or homesteads, it’s a reliable, fast-growing option to maximize your gardening efforts.
- VERSATILE CULINARY USES – FRESH OR PRESERVED. Grill, boil, or add to recipes like chowder, cornbread, and salsa. These sweet corn seeds yield kernels that freeze, can, or dry well, letting you enjoy homegrown corn all year round. A perfect addition for both fresh meals and long-term storage.
| Crop | By May 8 | By May 15 | Weekly increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn | 22% | 49% | 27 percentage points |
| Soybeans | 12% | 30% | 18 percentage points |
The May 8 baseline comes from USDA NASS’s Crop Progress report released May 9, 2022; the May 15 figures were reported by Successful Farming on May 16. A percentage-point increase is the difference between two percentages. It does not mean planted acreage or expected yield doubled.
What the weekly progress figures measure
Crop Progress is a recurring USDA NASS survey that estimates crop progress and condition at state and national levels. Reporters submit observations for the week ending Sunday, and the progress estimates are based on visual observations and subjective judgments—not a field-by-field census. USDA’s survey guide says weekly returned reports account for over 75% of acreage for major commodities. That is a description of survey coverage, not a claim that each field is individually measured.
Rank #2
- 🌱 4 PREMIUM VARIETIES & 200+ SEEDS - HEIRLOOM: Begin your abundant harvest with over 200 seeds from 4 cherished corn varieties. This assortment features beloved types like Cream Sweet Corn, Golden Bantam Corn, Silver Queen Sweet Corn, and the stunning Glass Gem Corn. Every seed is rigorously germination-tested to ensure your family enjoys a successful and rewarding growing cycle.
- 🥦 GROW FRESH & FLAVORFUL - GARDEN FAVORITES: Enjoy homegrown sweetness and color right from your backyard! Chosen for their reliability and superb taste, these 4 varieties are perfect for both new and experienced gardeners. Pick your own sweet corn for the table or spectacular ornamental corn for decoration.
- 🌽 VERSATILE CULINARY USES – FRESH OR PRESERVED: Barbecue, boil, roast, or incorporate into favorites like corn chowder, salads, salsas, and homemade cornbread. These sweet and ornamental corn varieties produce ears that can be frozen, canned, or dried with ease, allowing you to savor the taste of homegrown corn through every cycle. A perfect choice for both daily meals and lasting pantry storage.
- 🌱 DISEASE-RESISTANT & EASY TO GROW: Chosen for strong performance in diverse conditions, these varieties show good tolerance to common corn ailments such as leaf blight and rust. While occasional pests like corn earworm may require attention, their overall hardiness and low-maintenance nature make them a reliable, hassle-free option for gardeners of all levels.
- 🎁 THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY GROWER: Beautifully packaged and ready to give! This kit is a thoughtful and unique present for any occasion—an ideal gift for mothers, friends, family, or anyone who loves gardening, homegrown flavors, and sustainable living. Give the joy of a bountiful and rewarding gardening journey.
The guide says all states participate and that reporters are generally drawn from extension and Farm Service Agency staff. Crop Progress is scheduled for 4 p.m. on the first business day of each week from April 1 through November 30. It is a timely indicator of planting pace, not a final estimate of planted acreage, yield, or production.
What growers and market watchers expected next
In the May 16, 2022 article, Cory Bratland, identified as chief grain strategist and commodities broker at Kluis Commodity Advisors, said: “Weather looks to provide many growers an open window to get the crop planted this week, so look for a big increase in plantings next week.” That was a forecast made in May 2022, not a current weather or planting outlook.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Beautiful - Large premium packet of Bantam Sweet Corn seeds (Zea mays). Open-pollinated heirlooms produce two or more ears of sweet golden corn per stalk. Each ear has 8 rows of golden kernels. Minimum of 13g per packet (about 50 seeds).
- Productive - Sweet corn germinates in 7-14 days when soil temps are 65-75°F. Plant 1” deep and space 6-8” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 20-24” tall with a spread of 6-12”. Corn will mature in 60-100 days, plant in USDA zones 5-7.
- Good Eats - The beautiful golden kernels are tender and have a sweet old-fashioned flavor. Delicious as a side or in recipes.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family. Like your garden, we run on sunshine from our solar panels.
How to read this report today
Always check both the publication date and the report’s week-ending date before comparing crop-progress figures. The 49% corn and 30% soybean figures describe the week ending May 15, 2022. USDA’s report released October 5, 2026, for the week ending October 4, 2026, covers late-season stages such as harvest, so it is not directly comparable to May 2022 planting progress. The current-season release can be found on USDA NASS’s Crop Progress report page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Heirloom Sweet Corn Flavor: Golden Bantam sweet corn seeds produce 6–7" ears with golden-yellow kernels in 75–80 days. Ideal vegetable garden seeds in home garden beds.
- Non GMO Corn Seeds: Open-pollinated heirloom corn seed with reliable 7–14 day germination. Great sweet corn seeds for planting bulk in outdoor vegetable garden.
- Strong Upright Corn Plant: Amazon corn sweet grows 5–6 ft tall with 1–2 ears per stalk. Plant corn seed 1" deep, space gardening seeds 6" apart for healthy corn plant live, making corn fresh or sweet corn frozen, a delightful addition to any garden or dinner plate.
- Fast Growing Yellow Corn: Early Golden Bantam corn seeds mature quickly in main season. These vegetable plants & seeds require full sun and consistent moisture for premium sweet yellow corn harvest. Perfect vegetable seeds for planting outdoors.
- Perfect for Home Garden: Heirloom corn seeds for planting home garden perform best in blocks for pollination. Suitable heirloom seeds for Zones 3–10 and outdoor garden beds.
Rank #4
- Hybrid Variety: Peaches & Cream Sweet Corn is a hybrid, sugary-enhanced (SE) bicolor variety known for its combination of yellow and white kernels, offering a dual flavor experience in each bite.
- Early Maturity: This corn variety matures relatively early, with some sources indicating a harvest time around 80 to 90 days after planting, making it suitable for regions with shorter growing seasons.
- Planting Tips: For optimal pollination and yield, plant in blocks rather than single rows, ensuring at least four rows for proper cross-pollination. Seeds should be planted when soil temperatures reach 60°F or above for good germination.
- Flavor and Texture: Noted for its sweetness and tenderness, Peaches & Cream corn is praised for its fine texture and rich flavor, which can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or cooked, making it versatile for various culinary uses.
- Quality: All Sweet Corn seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
