News

67% of U.S. corn, 68% of soybeans good to excellent

The USDA reports another week of modest changes for the national corn and soybean condition ratings. That continues the growing season’s story of generally favorable conditions in parts of the region against at least some crop stress in other areas.

As of Sunday, 67% of the U.S. corn crop is in good to excellent shape, 1% less than the previous week, with 88% of the crop silking, 46% at the dough making stage, and 7% dented, all close to or ahead of normal.

68% of U.S. soybeans are called good to excellent, up 1%, with 86% blooming and 59% at the pod setting stage, both faster than the respective five-year averages.

88% of winter wheat is harvested, compared to 86% on average.

74% of spring wheat is rated good to excellent, unchanged, with 97% headed and 6% harvested, slower than most years.

45% of cotton is in good to excellent condition, 4% lower, with 91% of the crop squaring, 60% setting bolls, and 8% of those bolls opening, just above average for all categories.

80% of rice is reported as good to excellent, a decline of 3%, with 80% of the crop headed and 7% harvested, more than the usual rates.

47% of sorghum is good to excellent, a drop of 8%, with 63% of the crop headed and 25% coloring, both progressing ahead of the typical paces.

35% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent shape, a decrease of 3% on the week.

The USDA’s weekly national crop progress and condition numbers run through the end of November.