News

Most national crop conditions continue fall

The USDA’s national corn and soybean condition ratings fell from the previous week.

Last week saw mixed weather for the Midwest and Plains, but that did include very hot and dry conditions in key corn and soybean growing states. Light drought relief did come near the end of the week in the Dakotas and surrounding areas.

As of Sunday, 60% of U.S. corn is in good to excellent shape, down 2% on the week and 4% on the year, with 86% of the crop at the dough making stage, compared to the five-year average of 81%, and 41% at the dent stage, three percent ahead of the average pace.

56% of soybeans are called good to excellent, 1% below last week and 13% under last year, with 99% blooming, 2% ahead of the average, and 91% at the pod setting stage, compared to the typical rate of 87%.

46% of the spring wheat crop is harvested, compared to 55% on average.

71% of the cotton crop is rated good to excellent, 3% higher on the week and up 23% on the year, with all of the crop squaring, 87% setting bolls, compared to 89% on average, and 21% of those bolls opening, compared to 19% usually at this time.

74% of rice is called good to excellent, 3% higher than a week ago and 1% above a year ago, with 92% headed, compared to 95% on average, and 16% harvested, matching the normal rate.

29% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are called good to excellent, steady with last week and 5% above last year.

The USDA’s next set of production estimates is out September 10^th.