he USDA’s national condition rating on corn improved a little over the past week, while soybeans were steady and spring wheat continues to show the impact of drought in the northern and northwestern Plains.
It’s been another year of wide-ranging crop weather, with ratings and progress diverging widely depending on location.
The USDA says 65% of U.S. corn is in good to excellent shape, 1% more than last week, but 4% less than this time last year, with 26% of the crop silking, compared to the five-year average of 30%, and 3% at the dough-making stage, matching the average pace.
59% of soybeans are in good to excellent condition, steady with a week ago and 9% below a year ago, with 46% of the crop blooming, compared to 40% on average, and 10% at the pod setting stage, in-line with normal.
59% of winter wheat is harvested, compared to 65% on average.
16% of spring wheat is called good to excellent, unchanged on the week and down 52% on the year, with 55% rated poor to very poor, 5% more than last week, with 83% of the crop headed, compared to 81% on average.
56% of cotton is rated good to excellent, 4% higher than last week and 12% above last year, with 55% squaring, compared to the five-year average of 61%, and 16% setting bolls, compared to 20% on average.
71% of rice is in good to excellent shape, 2% less than a week ago and 3% below a year ago, with 21% of the crop headed, compared to 25% typically this time of year.
34% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent condition, 3% higher than last week, but 2% less than last year.
The USDA’s next set of supply, demand, and production numbers is out August 12th.
