Condition of Corn and Soybeans Continue to Decline

USDA reported again this week that the condition of U.S. corn and soybean crops continued to deteriorate compared to the previous week and year.

As of July 23, 62% of the corn crop was rated as “good” (49%) or “excellent” (13%). This compares with 64% a week earlier when 51% was rated as “good” and 13% as excellent. And it’s significantly down from a year ago when 76% of the corn crop was rated as “good” (57%) or “excellent” (19%).

In terms of progress, USDA said that 67% of corn acres were “silking” vs. 76% on this date a year ago and the 5-year average of 69%. The ag agency also reported that 8% of the crop as at the “dough” stage compared to 12% last year and the 5-year average of 13%.

As of this past Sunday (July 23), 57% of soybeans were “good” (47%) or “excellent” (10%). This compares with 61% a week earlier when 61% was rated as “good” (51%) or “excellent” (10%). Like the corn crop, the current condition of soybeans compared with one year ago is showing significant decline when 71% was rated as “good” (56%) or “excellent” (15%).

Currently, 69% of soybeans are “blooming” vs. 74% a week earlier and the 5-year average of 67%. Some 29% of soybean acres are reportedly “setting pods.” This compares with 33% last year for this date and the 5-year average of 27%.