The latest USDA Crop Progress report paints a concerning picture for major crops like corn, soybeans, and spring wheat, as their condition ratings show a decline in the most recent data.
For corn, the report indicates that 84% of the crops in the top 18 growing states have entered the silking stage, slightly exceeding the five-year average. 29% of the crop has reached the dough stage, keeping pace with the average.
However, the report highlights an increase in corn rated as poor/very poor, now at 15%, up by 2% from the previous week. The good/excellent rating also experienced a 2% decrease, now standing at 55%.
Soybeans, though showing progress, face challenges. The report shows that 83% of the soybean crop in the top growing states is blooming, surpassing the five-year average. Moreover, 50% of the U.S. soybean crop is setting pods, exceeding the average.
Nonetheless, the report indicates a 1% increase in soybeans rated as poor/very poor, now at 15%. The good/excellent rating dipped by 2% to 52%.
Spring wheat, another significant crop, also faces setbacks. The report reveals that 97% of spring wheat is headed in the top six growing states, slightly trailing the five-year average. However, the spring wheat harvest is behind schedule, with only 2% harvested, compared to the five-year average of 5%.
Regarding the condition ratings, 16% of spring wheat is rated as poor/very poor, remaining unchanged from the previous week. The fair rating, however, increased by 7% to 42%, while the good/excellent rating saw a 7% decline to 42%.
Winter wheat harvest progress improved to 80% in the top growing states, but it is still behind the five-year average of 83%.
Oats, while progressing in harvesting, show a decline in the good/excellent rating by 2% to 43%. The poor/very poor rating for oats increased by 2% to 18%, with 39% rated as fair, showing no change from the previous week.
The latest USDA report emphasizes the challenges in crop conditions for corn, soybeans, and spring wheat, raising concerns for farmers, while winter wheat harvest progress remains below average.
Source : wisconsinagconnection