News

74% of U.S. soybeans, 71% of corn rated good to excellent

The USDA’s national condition rating for corn declined slightly last week, while soybeans improved a little. Weather varied widely across key U.S. growing areas, ranging from excessively wet to ideal to drought or near drought conditions.

As of Sunday, 71% of U.S. corn is in good to excellent shape, down 1% on the week, with 97% of the crop silking, compared to the five-year average of 95% and 59% at the dough making stage, compared to 52% on average, while 11% is dented, compared to 12% on average.

74% of U.S. soybeans are called good to excellent, up 1%, with 92% blooming, compared to the usual pace of 89%, and 75% at the pod setting stage, compared to 68% typically in early August.

90% of winter wheat is harvested, trailing the normal rate of 93%.

69% of spring wheat is rated good to excellent, a drop of 4%, while 15% is harvested, compared to 25% on average.

42% of cotton is in good to excellent condition, 3% below a week ago, with 96% squaring, matching the usual rate and 71% are setting bolls, compared to 70% on average, while bolls have opened on 9% of the crop, compared to 11% usually this time of year.

76% of rice is rated good to excellent, steady with the previous week, with 75% harvested, compared to the five-year average of 83%, and 10% harvested, compared to 9% on average.

34% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent shape, 2% less than last week.