Corn, soybean ratings drop, USDA says – Successful Farming

The U.S. corn and soybean ratings fall, according to the USDA Monday.

On Monday, the USDA released its Cop Progress Report that shows U.S. farmers have seen their corn crops’ growing progress slow.

Corn

In its report, the USDA estimates the corn good/excellent rating at 71%, up from 73% a week ago.

Meanwhile, 10% of the nation’s corn is in the silk growth stage vs. a 16% five-year average.

In addition, the silking progress in major corn-producing states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Nebraska is behind the five-year averages.

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Soybeans

USDA rated 31% of the nation’s soybean crop in the blooming stage, up from the 24% five-year average.

Meanwhile, 2% of the U.S. soybean crop is in the blooming stage vs. a 4% five-year average.

In its report, the USDA estimates the soybean good/excellent rating at 71% vs. 71% a week ago.

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Wheat

In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter wheat crop as 56% harvested, vs. a 55% five-year average. 

Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to the USDA report. 

“The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Based on standard definitions, these respondents subjectively estimate the progress of crops through various stages of development, as well as the progress of producer activities. They also provide subjective evaluations of crop conditions,” the USDA stated in its Monday report.

Most respondents complete their questionnaires on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, according to the USDA report.