Weekly Crop and Field Conditions Update

By Scout Nelson

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

Field Crops Report:

Corn conditions were reported as 4% very poor, 8% poor, 20% fair, 44% good, and 24% excellent. About 91% of corn had dented, close to last year’s 94% and the five-year average of 90%. Corn maturity was at 45%, slightly behind last year’s 52% but near the 43% average. Corn harvest progress was at 5%, aligning with 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%, behind last year’s 67% and the 54% average. Harvest was at 1%, slightly behind the 3% for both last year and average.

Winter wheat planting progressed to 21%, matching both last years and the average of 18%. Emergence was at 3%, near last year’s 2% and the 1% average.

Sorghum conditions were 0% very poor, 6% poor, 22% fair, 49% good, and 23% excellent. Sorghum coloring was 93%, close to 92% last year and 89% average. Maturity was reported at 12%, behind last year’s 24% and the 23% average. Harvest was 1%, in line with last year and the average.

Dry edible beans were rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 23% fair, 40% good, and 27% excellent. Pod setting was at 97%, like last year’s 97% and near the 99% average. Leaf dropping was 69%, ahead of last year’s 53% and close to the 67% average. Harvest reached 31%, ahead of 15% last year and 24% average.

Pasture and Range Report:

Pasture and range conditions were rated 13% very poor, 32% poor, 27% fair, 20% good, and 8% excellent, reflecting challenges due to varying moisture levels.

This week’s USDA report highlights the ongoing challenges and progress in crop conditions and moisture availability, essential for planning the upcoming harvest season.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev