USDA reports corn, soybean, and spring wheat condition ratings fell again last week as hot, dry weather in key growing areas continues to take a toll on U.S. crops.
As of Sunday, 40% of U.S. corn is rated good to excellent, down 8% from last week and 29% less than this time last year. 13 of the 18 major production states are at or below the 50% mark with 9 of those below the national average. 30% is called poor to very poor. 50% of the crop is silking, compared to 11% a year ago and the five year average of 19%.
For soybeans, 40% is in good to excellent shape, 5% less than last week and 26% below last year. 12 of the top 18 states are below 50% and 8 are under the national average. 27% of U.S. soybeans are in poor to very poor condition. 44% of beans are blooming, compared to 17% a year ago and 25% on average.
66% of the spring wheat crop is rated good to excellent, 5% lower than the previous week and down 7% from last year. 88% of the crop has headed, compared to 24% a year ago and 55% on average.
For winter wheat, 75% is harvested, compared to 58% last year and 56% on average.
U.S. pastures and rangelands are also in fairly dire shape because of weather. 21% are called good to excellent, 4% under a week ago and 28% lower than a year ago.
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