USDA Issues Crop Condition Report: 68% Of Corn Is Good To Excellent, 64% Of Soybeans

BrownfieldAgNews reports: The USDA's national crop ratings mostly declined over the past week. Many key U.S. growing areas had a dry start to September and ratings typically dip ahead of harvest. 68% of U.S. corn is rated good to excellent, down 1%, with 95% at the dough making stage, 74% dented, 25% mature, and 4% harvested, all close to normal. 64% of soybeans are in good to excellent shape, 1% lower, with 97% at the pod setting stage and 21% of the crop dropping leaves, both near their five-year averages. 85% of spring wheat is harvested, slightly ahead of average. 5% of winter wheat is planted, just behind the usual rate of 6%. 54% of cotton is called good to excellent, up 3%, and 97% of the crop is setting bolls with 40% of bolls opening and 8% of the crop harvested. 74% of rice is good to excellent, a decrease of 2%, and 45% of the crop is harvested, compared to 36% on average. 65% of sorghum is good to excellent, 1% higher, with 97% headed, 71% coloring, 37% mature, and 20% harvested. 36% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent condition, 2% lower than last week. The USDA's weekly national crop progress and condition numbers run through the end of November.