Mixed Corn and Soybean Conditions Reported by USDA

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

For the week ending September 15, 2024, there were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated at 18% very short, 40% short, 40% adequate, and 2% surplus, while subsoil moisture supplies were 15% very short, 42% short, 41% adequate, and 2% surplus.

The field crops report showed corn conditions rated 4% very poor, 8% poor, 20% fair, 44% good, and 24% excellent. Corn dented reached 91%, close to last year’s 94% and the five-year average of 90%. Corn maturity stood at 45%, slightly behind 52% last year but near the 43% average. Corn harvesting was reported at 5%, close to last year’s 6% and the 4% average.

Soybean conditions rated 3% very poor, 6% poor, 26% fair, 48% good, and 17% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 44%, significantly behind 67% last year and 54% average. Harvest progress was slow, with only 1% of the crop harvested, compared to 3% both last year and the average.

Winter wheat planting reached 21%, near 18% for both last year and the five-year average, with 3% of the crop emerging, close to 2% last year and 1% average.

Sorghum conditions were solid, with 0% rated very poor, 6% poor, 22% fair, 49% good, and 23% excellent. Sorghum coloring was at 93%, like last year and ahead of the five-year average. However, sorghum maturity lagged at 12%, compared to 24% last year and the 23% average. Harvest progress remained steady, with 1% harvested, the same as last year.

Dry edible beans showed mixed results, with 3% very poor, 7% poor, 23% fair, 40% good, and 27% excellent. Bean harvest was 31% complete, ahead of 15% last year and 24% average.

Pasture and range conditions reflected the variable moisture levels, with 13% rated very poor, 32% poor, 27% fair, 20% good, and 8% excellent.

This USDA report highlights the challenges posed by changing field conditions and moisture levels as farmers continue the 2024 harvest season.

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