News

USDA winter wheat condition rating lower than a year ago

U.S. winter wheat is out of dormancy and showing the impact of dry weather.

The USDA says 35% of U.S. winter wheat is in good to excellent shape, 13% below the first national rating of 2025, while 31% of the crop is poor to very poor, 10% above a year ago.

The most recent Drought Monitor shows 65% of U.S. winter wheat growing areas in some stage of drought, affecting hard red, soft red, and white winter growing areas.

7% of the winter wheat has headed, compared to the five-year average of 5%.

3% of U.S. corn is planted, much of that in the south, compared to 2% on average.

2% of spring wheat is planted, compared to the usual rate of 3%.

5% of cotton is planted, matching most recent years.

12% of sorghum is planted, compared to 13% normally in early April.

30% of rice has been planted and 13% has emerged, both ahead of their normal paces.

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