News

54% of U.S. corn, 57% of soybeans good to excellent

Extremely wet weather in part of the Midwest and Plains delayed fieldwork for some farmers last week.

The USDA says 23% of U.S. corn is harvested, compared to the five-year average of 27%, with 83% of the crop mature and 54% rated good to excellent, down 3%.

25% of soybeans are harvested, compared to usual rate of 33%, and 85% of that crop is dropping leaves with 57% in good to excellent shape, 1% lower.

36% of winter wheat is planted and 16% has emerged, both slower than average.

33% of cotton is rated good to excellent, a decline of 2% on the week, and 74% of bolls are opening with 23% of the crop harvested.

86% of rice is harvested, compared to the normal pace of 79%.

26% of sorghum is in good to excellent condition, unchanged, with 96% coloring, 72% mature, and 32% harvested, all behind most recent years.

49% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are reported as poor to very poor, 2% less than last week, while 23% is good to excellent, up 4%.

The USDA’s weekly national crop progress and condition reports are scheduled to run through the end of November.