Little Change in Current Corn, Soybean Crop Conditions
There was very little change in the overall condition of this year’s corn and soybean crop during the past week, but both continue to lag crop conditions at this point a year ago, according to USDA’s Aug. 19 Crop Progress report. At the same time, the maturation progress of both are lagging vs. last year and the 5 year average.
The condition of corn as of Aug. 18, was 56% “good” (46%) and “excellent” (10%). This is down 1% from a week earlier when 57% were rated as “good” (47%) and “excellent” (10%). These are down from 68% last year when 48% of the corn crop was estimated to be “good” and 20% “excellent.”
USDA reported that as of this past Sunday 95% of corn acres were silking. This is down from 100% for this date is 2018 and from the 5 year average of 99% silking on this date. The report indicated that 55% of this year’s corn crop was at the dough stage vs. 83% last year and the 5 year average of 76%. The ag agency estimates that 15% of corn is currently in the dented stage vs. 41% last year and the 5 year average of 30% for this date.
The progress and condition of the current soybean crop is similar to that of corn. USDA is rating the condition of soybeans as 53% “good” (44%) and “excellent” (9%). This compares with 54% the previous week when 46% was estimated to be “good” and 16% “excellent.”
This week’s report shows that 90% of soybeans are blooming compared to 99% a year ago and the 5 year average of 96%. A drop off is obvious when looking at the soybean acres currently setting pods. The Aug. 19 report shows 68% are setting pods as of last Sunday. For this date in 2018, 90% were setting pods and the 5 year average for this stage of development is 85%.