USDA latest Crop Progress report shows corn conditions holding steady while soybean ratings ticked slightly higher. 71% of corn was rated good to excellent, unchanged from last week, while 69% of soybeans earned the same rating, up one point from the previous week.
Both crops are developing in line with their five-year averages, with 83% of corn in the dough stage and 89% of soybeans setting pods. However, regional differences remain: Iowa’s corn and soybeans are among the strongest, while Indiana and Illinois report weaker ratings.
Wheat harvests are progressing, with winter wheat 98% complete and spring wheat harvest advancing to 53%. Spring wheat continues to lag, with only 49% rated good to excellent, well below 2024’s 69%. Weather-wise, a strong cold front is bringing cooler conditions nationwide, which may ease crop stress, though dryness in parts of the Corn Belt continues to pose challenges.
Photo Credit: USDA
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