U.S. SOYBEAN CROP CONDITION RATING DROPS, USDA REPORTS

U.S. soybean crop condition goes backward.

Overall, both crops’ progress remain below five-year averages, according to the USDA Crop Progress Report.

CORN

As of Sunday, the U.S. had 79% of its corn crop in the silk stage vs. 73% five-year average.

The USDA says that 18% of the U.S. corn crop is in the dough stage vs. 17% five-year average.

On Monday, the U.S. corn condition rating was marked at 64% good/excellent vs. 65% a week ago.

SOYBEANS

As of Sunday, the USDA rated the nation’s soybean crop as 76% blooming vs. a 71% five-year average.

The USDA noted that 42% of the soybeans are in the setting pods stage vs. a 36% five-year average.

For soybeans, 58% is rated good/excellent, above 60% a week ago.

WHEAT

In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter spring wheat crop is rated as 9% good/excellent vs. a 11% 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. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the report.