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71% of U.S. corn, soybeans rated good to excellent

The USDA’s national condition rating for corn declined a little last week, while soybeans held steady, as parts of the Corn Belt did get rain last week, but other areas of the region saw the start of a hot, dry weather pattern which could last until mid-month.

As of Sunday, 71% of U.S. corn is in good to excellent condition, down 2% on the week, with 10% of the crop silking, compared to the five-year average of 16%.

31% of soybeans are blooming, compared to 24% on average, and 2% are at the pod setting stage, compared to 4% normally, with 71% of the crop called good to excellent, steady with last week.

56% of winter wheat is harvested, just ahead of usual, and 51% of the crop is in good to excellent shape, 1% less than a week ago.

63% of spring wheat has headed, compared to the usual pace of 68%, and 70% of the crop is rated good to excellent, an improvement of 1%.

47% of cotton is squaring and 13% is setting bolls, both close to average, with 43% rated good to excellent, 2% more than the previous week.

19% of rice has headed, matching the typical pace, and 73% of the crop is called good to excellent, 1% below the week before.

41% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent condition, a week to week decline of 1%.

The USDA’s next set of production estimates is out Friday.