Iowa Soybean Planting Progress: 27% Planted as of May 3, 2026

What changed

USDA NASS released its weekly Crop Progress report covering the week ending May 3, 2026. The report shows Iowa soybeans at 27 percent planted. This is a state-level figure from USDA's survey-based tracking, reported in their standard "percent planted" measure.

Why it matters

Iowa is consistently one of the top soybean-producing states in the country, so its planting pace is worth watching every spring. Early May is a key window for soybean planting across much of the state, and the 27 percent planted figure gives a concrete read on where things stand. Keep in mind this is a single weekly data point — it doesn't tell us how this year compares to the five-year average or last year's pace on its own. That kind of comparison context may matter as the season moves forward.

What to watch next

• Next week's USDA Crop Progress report — look for whether Iowa's soybean planting pace picks up, holds steady, or slows down. Weather in the days ahead could affect fieldwork across the state.
• Other Corn Belt states — planting progress in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Nebraska can help put Iowa's number in broader regional context.
• Weather outlooks — rainfall and soil conditions in the coming week or two could influence how quickly the remaining acres get planted. Check locally for the latest forecasts.

Source notes

The 27 percent planted figure comes from USDA NASS Quick Stats, covering the week ending May 3, 2026. USDA reports this metric as "PCT PLANTED" at the state level for Iowa soybeans.