Record planting progress continued around the country last week, despite the rain, and corn planting is breaking records.

USDA reports that 68 percent of the corn crop was planted by Sunday. That’s 28 percent more than the five year average and five percent more than the previous record for this time of year in 2004. Emergence is at 19 percent, ten percent more than normal. Kelly Robertson of Benton, Illinois had time to take some creative shots of his corn breaking ground last week. USDA reports that 39 percent of the crop in Illinois has emerged already – way ahead of normal – with 87 percent planted. Amazing progress!

Soybean planting is now underway as well, with 15 percent planted, seven percent more than average. Cotton and sorghum are also doing well.

Here is another corn planting video – uploaded via TwitVid last week by Mark McHargue of Nebraska.