(USDA) Corn and soybean crop conditions declined last week as dry weather continued to stress crops across parts of the Corn Belt, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Crop Progress report released Monday.
The report showed both corn and soybean good-to-excellent ratings slipping as many areas continue to need rainfall. While temperatures were cooler across much of the country last week, DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick said hot weather, scattered showers and persistent dryness are expected to continue into early August. Corn development remains ahead of both last year and the five-year average.
NASS reported 78% of the corn crop has reached the silking stage, up from 73% a year ago and ahead of the five-year average of 74%. About 25% of the crop has reached the dough stage, compared to 24% last year and the five-year average of 22%. Despite the favorable pace of development, crop conditions deteriorated. NASS rated 63% of the nation’s corn crop as good to excellent, down four percentage points from 67% the previous week and 10 points below last year’s 73%. The share of the crop rated very poor to poor increased to 12%, up from 9% the previous week and 7% a year ago. Among the top corn-producing states, Iowa continued to post the strongest crop ratings, with 80% of its corn rated good to excellent. Indiana followed at 63%, while Illinois came in at 59%.
Soybean development also remains ahead of normal. NASS estimated 80% of the crop is blooming, six percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 74%. Pod setting reached 47%, eight points ahead of last year and the five-year average of 39%. Soybean conditions also weakened during the week. NASS rated 63% of the crop as good to excellent, down three percentage points from 66% the previous week and seven points below last year’s 70%. Conditions varied across the Plains. Kansas led the region with 64% of soybeans rated good to excellent, followed by Nebraska at 61% and South Dakota at 52%.
