USDA reports that there was no change in the overall condition of the U.S. corn and soybean crops from the previous week. For corn, 69% is rated as “good” (47%) and “excellent” (22%). It’s the same scenario for soybeans with 68% considered “good” (49%) and “excellent” (19%) with no change from a week earlier.
As of Sunday, Sept. 30, 86% of corn acres are rated as mature, up from 72% the prior week, 66% a year ago and the 5 year average of 71%. So far, 26% of the corn crop has been harvested, which is well ahead of the prior week and year (both at 16%) and the 5 year average of 17%.
This year’s soybean crop is following the same path as corn. Some 83% of this year’s soybean acres are dropping leaves. This compares with 71% the week prior, 78% a year ago and the 5 year average of 75%. So far, 23% of the soybean crop is in the bin vs. 14% last week, 20% a year earlier and the 5 year average of 20% for this date.