Crop Progress: Corn crop sees declines but still above last year levels

The nation’s corn crop took a stumble recently. The latest Crop Progress Report from USDA shows while it may have declined, it is still holding well above last year’s levels.

It is rated 67 percent good to excellent, which is down a point from last week but ahead of the 57 percent rating this time last year. 68 percent of soybeans are in the top category, which is unchanged from last week and 14 points ahead of last year.

77 percent of the spring wheat crop is holding at good to excellent, and 76 percent of winter wheat is now in the bin, which is 11 percent ahead of last year’s 65 percent and four above the five-year average.

Related Stories
Drought and Planting Shape Weekly Crop Condition Recap
Drought remains a major risk, with the ERS reporting that 98 percent of the U.S. cotton production area was affected by drought in early May.
Brooke Rollins meets with Pennsylvania farmers as pressure mounts on the Senate to advance the Farm Bill and additional aid for producers.
Despite tighter supplies, U.S. wheat exports continue trending higher as international buyers seek consistent quality and reliable service.
Higher placements lifted feedlot inventories, but slower marketings point to continued tightness in finished cattle movement.
Tight cattle supplies should keep beef prices supported, while dairy, pork, and poultry are poised for greater production growth.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Soybean oil is already feeling the pressure.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visits Arizona cotton producers as rising fuel, fertilizer, and fuel and fertilizer costs continue to pressure farm margins.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to break down “just in time” fertilizer applications, a growing trend in modern nutrient management as input costs continue to pressure farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says producers should continue to watch tariff negotiations, market access, and the possibility of a more transactional trade relationship with China.
RFD News Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen discussed red flags landowners should watch for during property transactions.