(USDA) It looks like the crop ratings are holding up despite mounting weather concerns.
According to USDA’s latest Crop Progress report, 68% of the U.S. corn crop is rated good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from last week after holding steady for two weeks. Corn development also remains ahead of average, with 34% of the crop silking, compared to 32% last year and the five-year average of 30%. About 6% of the crop has reached the dough stage, matching last year and slightly ahead of the five-year average. Meanwhile, 8% of the crop is rated poor to very poor, unchanged from last week but above last year’s 5%.
In the Upper Midwest, crop conditions remain particularly strong. Iowa’s corn crop is rated 78% good to excellent, while neighboring Wisconsin and Minnesota lead the region at 83% and 84%, respectively.
Soybean conditions also improved slightly, with 65% of the crop rated good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from last week. Development continues to run ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Half of the soybean crop is now blooming, compared to 45% a year ago, while 19% has reached the pod-setting stage, well ahead of last year’s 14%.
State ratings mirror the strength seen in corn, with Iowa soybeans rated 74% good to excellent, while Wisconsin stands at 78% and Minnesota at 81%.
Despite the modest improvements in crop conditions, weather remains a key concern. A significant heat wave is expected to dominate the northern Corn Belt this week, increasing stress on crops as dry conditions persist. Forecasters say a midweek cold front could provide limited relief before a stronger system arrives later in the week, bringing cooler temperatures while shifting drought concerns farther west.
