News

U.S. corn, soybean condition ratings down on week

The USDA’s national condition ratings for corn and soybeans dipped last week because of hot temperatures and storm damage.

As of Sunday, 69% of U.S. corn is in good to excellent condition, down 2% on the week, with 29% of the crop silking, compared to the five-year average of 32%, and 3% at the dough making stage, matching the usual pace.

68% of soybeans are called good to excellent, 3% less than last week, with 48% of beans blooming, compared to 40% on average, and 11% at the pod setting stage, compared to 10% normally this time of year.

68% of winter wheat is harvested, slightly faster than average.

80% of spring wheat has headed, compared to 85% usually in mid-July, and 68% of the crop is in good to excellent shape, 2% below a week ago.

63% of cotton is squaring, compared to 62% on average, and 18% is setting bolls, compared to the normal pace of 21%, and 44% is rated good to excellent, up 1%, but 26% is in poor to very poor condition and another 30% is in fair shape.

24% of rice has headed, compared to the five-year average of 27%, and 74% of the crop is called good to excellent, 1% more than last week.

36% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are rated good to excellent, a week to week drop of 5%.

The USDA’s next production report is out August 12^th.