News

57% of U.S. corn, 58% of soybeans rated good to excellent

The USDA’s good to excellent ratings on corn and soybeans sank slightly again last week. The crops are showing the impact of hot, dry weather in some key U.S. growing areas. That will get alleviated at least somewhat this week in parts of the region, but the USDA could trim yield estimates in the next crop production report.

As of Sunday, 57% of U.S. corn is in good to excellent condition, 1% less than last week, with 94% of the crop silking, compared to the five-year average of 97%, 62% at the dough making stage, compared to 65% on average, and 16% dented, compared to the normal rate of 20%.

58% of soybeans are called good to excellent, down 1%, with 93% of the crop blooming, matching the five-year average, and 74% at the pod setting stage, compared to 77% most of the time in mid-August.

90% of winter wheat is harvested, compared to 94% on average.

64% of spring wheat is in good to excellent shape, unchanged on the week, with 16% harvested, compared to the usual pace of 35%.

34% of the cotton crop is rated good to excellent, up 3%, with 80% setting bolls, compared to 78% on average, and 15% of those bolls opening, compared to 14% on average.

75% of U.S. rice is reported as good to excellent, 1% higher, and 84% has headed, compared to 86% typically this time of year, and 11% harvested, in-line with the normal pace.

21% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent condition, a week-to-week decline of 3%.