As expected, continued hot, dry conditions over the past week in some key U.S. growing areas pushed corn and soybean condition ratings lower.
USDA reports As of Sunday, 48% of U.S. corn is in good to excellent condition, down 8% from last week and 21% below this time last year. 10 of the 18 major growing states are at or below the 50% mark, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Crop development is ahead of average with 26% of corn silking, compared to 7% a year ago and the five year average of 12%.
For soybeans, 45% is rated good to excellent, 8% less than a week ago and 21% less than a year ago. Out of the 18 major U.S. soybean growing states, 11 are at or below 50%, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 26% of soybeans are blooming, compared to 7% last year and 12% on average.
Spring wheat also saw a decline in the condition rating with 71% called good to excellent, 6% lower than a week ago but 1% higher than a year ago. 73% of spring wheat has headed, compared to 12% last year and 35% on average.
69% of the U.S. winter wheat crop has been harvested, compared to 49% a year ago and 43% on average.
25% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent shape, down 9% on the week and 26% less than this time last year. Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri are all at 0% and only 1% of Ohio is called good to excellent.
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