Most of USA’s corn, soybean crop not in good condition

USDA's reporting another significant decline for national corn and soybean condition ratings following another hot, dry week around key U.S. growing areas.

As of Sunday, 31% of the U.S. corn crop is in good to excellent shape, down 9% from last week and 35% less than this time last year. Another 31% is called fair and the remaining 38% is poor to very poor. Of the 18 major growing states, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri are below the 10% mark. 71% of corn is silking, compared to 28% a year ago and the five year average of 36%, while 12% is at the dough making stage, compared to 3% last year and 4% on average.

34% of soybeans are rated good to excellent, 6% below a week ago and 30% lower than a year ago. 36% is in fair shape and 30% is reportedly poor to very poor. Out of the top production states, Missouri is the lowest at 10% good to excellent. 66% of beans are blooming, compared to 34% last year and 42% on average, with 16% at the pod setting stage, compared to 5% last year and 9% on average.

80% of winter wheat has been harvested, compared to 64% a week ago and 65% a year ago, with Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio officially wrapped up for the year.

94% of spring wheat has headed, compared to 54% last year and 77% on average, and 65% is in good to excellent condition, down 1% on the week and 8% on the year.

18% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are rated good to excellent, 3% below a week ago and 28% lower than a year ago.