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

Date:07-19-2012

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.