USDA drops crop conditions for corn, soybeans, wheat

The USDA released its 17th Crop Progress report of the growing season Monday afternoon. These reports run weekly through the end of November and look at the progress and condition of various crops on a national and state-by-state scale.

CORN

As of July 24, 62% of corn is silking compared with the five-year average of 70%.

USDA says 13% of the U.S. corn crop has reached the dough stage, right on the heels of the five-year average of 15%.

In the top 18 corn growing states, crop condition was rated 61% good/excellent, a 3% drop from last week. Only 14% was rated poor/very poor. 

SOYBEANS

USDA’s report noted 64% of the soybean crop has bloomed, nearly catching up to the five-year average of 69%.

Soybeans setting pods are at 26% across the top 18 soybean growing states. The five-year average for this point in the season is 34%.

Soybean crop condition was rated 59% good/excellent, a 2% drop from last week. Only 11% were rated poor/very poor. 

WHEAT

Spring wheat was reported at 86% headed, making a big leap for the second week in a row, but still behind the five-year average of 96%.

Spring wheat crop condition was rated 68% good/excellent, a 3% drop from last week. Only 8% was rated poor/very poor.

This week 77% of the winter wheat crop has been harvested.

• WATCH: USDA Crop Progress Report | July 25, 2022

About the report: Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to the USDA. The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Most respondents complete the questionnaire on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the Crop Progress Report.