USDA Weekly Crop Progress

By DTN Staff

OMAHA (DTN) -- Corn and spring wheat conditions continued to decline last week while soybean condition improved slightly, according to USDA's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

USDA rated corn condition at 61% good to excellent as of Sunday, July 30, down 1 percentage point from the previous week's 62%. That resulted in a DTN Corn Condition Index of 144, down 3 points from the previous week. DTN's index is down from 183 a year ago and is still lower than the past four years, according to DTN Analyst Todd Hultman.

Corn development was lagging slightly behind the normal pace with 23% of the crop in the dough stage as of Sunday, down from 28% a year ago and down from the five-year average of 25%.

"Monday's report is bullish for corn," Hultman said.

In contrast to corn, soybean conditions improved slightly last week, according to USDA. Fifty-nine percent of soybeans were rated good to excellent as of Sunday, up 2 percentage points from 57% the previous week. That resulted in a DTN Soybean Condition Index of 139, which is up 4 points from the previous week. The index is down from 172 a year ago and is still lower than the past four years, Hultman said.

USDA estimated that 82% of soybeans were blooming as of Sunday, down from 84% a year ago, but above the five-year average of 80%. Forty-eight percent of soybeans were setting pods, which is down from 51% a year ago but above the five-year average of 45%.

"Monday's report is neutral for soybeans," Hultman said.

Meanwhile, spring wheat conditions continued to decline last week to 31% good to excellent, down 2 percentage points from 33% the previous week. That resulted in a DTN Spring Wheat Condition Index of 28, which is down 9 points from the previous week. DTN's index is down from 160 a year ago and is still the lowest since 1988.

USDA estimated that 9% of spring wheat was harvested as of Sunday, even with a year ago and even with the five-year average of 9% harvested.

"Monday's report remains bullish for spring wheat," Hultman said.

Winter wheat harvest progressed to 88% complete as of Sunday, even with a year ago and above the five-year average of 86%, according to USDA. "Monday's harvest progress is neutral for winter wheat," Hultman said.

Sorghum was 49% headed and 23% coloring, compared to 38% and 21% last week, 59% and 26% last year, and averages of 52% and 28%. Sorghum condition improved to 61% good to excellent, compared to 59% the previous week.

Barley was 6% harvested as of Sunday, behind 10% last year and also behind the average pace of 9%. Oats were 35% harvested, compared to 24% last week, 51% last year and a 45% average.

Cotton was 87% squaring and 46% setting bolls, compared to 77% and 36% last week, 91% and 53% last year, and 91% and 53% on average. Cotton condition improved slightly to 56% good to excellent from 55% the previous week. Rice was 64% headed, compared to 49% last week, 69% last year and a 57% average. Rice condition declined slightly to 71% good to excellent from 72% the previous week.

The following are highlights from weekly crop progress reports issued by National Ag Statistics Service offices in individual states. To view the full reports from each state, visit http://www.nass.usda.gov/…

Colorado

Widespread monsoonal moisture fell across the state last week, improving rangeland and crop conditions. Fieldwork was halted in areas where precipitation was the heaviest. In northwestern counties, reporters noted rain has improved dry conditions, but stalled hay harvest this past week. Reporters in northeastern counties noted that while rain was beneficial, many areas are still suffering due to prolonged heat and lack of precipitation. Several dryland spring crop fields are noted to be very uneven and decreased production is a concern. East-central counties also received good moisture in areas this week, with others remaining dry. In southwestern counties, good moisture was received, but delayed winter wheat harvest and the second cutting of alfalfa. In the San Luis Valley, reporters noted heavy rain was received in areas with localized flooding. The rain delayed swathing and baling of second-cutting alfalfa where wettest. In southeastern counties, a reporter noted up to 4 inches of rain fell in areas, while other localities received none. Hay harvest was also impeded in these areas due to rain. Statewide, winter wheat harvest was nearing completion by week's end and was on par with the average and last year. Stored feed supplies were rated 1% very short, 4% short, 86% adequate and 9% surplus. Topsoil moisture: 3% very short, 34% short, 61% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture: 3% very short, 34% short, 62% adequate and 1% surplus.

Illinois

Scattered showers fell throughout the state last week. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Statewide, the average temperature was 73.6 degrees, 1.2 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.08 inches, 0.22 inch above normal. Topsoil moisture: 8% very short, 21% short, 67% adequate and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture: 5% very short, 22% short, 69% adequate and 4% surplus.

Indiana

Growers had a favorable week for fieldwork with cooler temperatures and reduced precipitation. Although it rained some during the week, many farmers needed to run irrigation systems on their fields. Portions of southern Indiana continued to have waterlogged spots. The statewide average temperature was 72.2 degrees, 1.8 degrees below normal. Statewide precipitation was 0.80 inch, below average by 0.11 inch. There were 5.0 days available for fieldwork, up 0.7 day from the previous week. The relatively dry week and cooler temperatures allowed both the corn and soybean conditions to improve. Some cases of common and southern rust appeared in corn fields in the south, and were treated quickly with fungicide. Irrigation systems were running in northern Indiana over the weekend primarily for specialty crops to keep them from becoming too dry. Patches of corn and soybeans continued to be stunted and yellowed in areas that previously had excessive moisture. There were some reports of strong winds lodging corn. The dryer week was favorable for cutting and baling hay. Other activities included hauling grain, mowing roadsides, scouting for pests, and attending county fairs. Topsoil moisture: 1% very short, 11% short, 76% adequate, 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture: 1% very short, 9% short, 77% adequate, 13% surplus.

Iowa

Iowa remained mostly dry with scattered reports of rainfall last week. Statewide, there were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included applying fungicides and insecticides, harvesting oats, and haying. Topsoil moisture: 22% very short, 31% short, 45% adequate and 2% surplus. South-central Iowa reported two-thirds of topsoil moisture as very short. According to the July 25, 2017, U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of south-central Iowa were under severe drought conditions. Subsoil moisture: 19% very short, 31% short, 48% adequate and 2% surplus. Corn silking was three days behind last year but five days ahead of the five-year average. Corn in the dough stage was four days behind last year and two days behind average. Soybeans blooming were four days behind last year and one day ahead of average. Setting pods was two days ahead of average. Oat harvest was one day ahead of average.

Kansas

Above-normal temperatures at the beginning of last week gave way to milder temperatures as the week progressed. Rainfall was recorded across most of the state, with many areas receiving 1 inch or more. Approximately one-half of the state was experiencing drought conditions. There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture: 11% very short, 37% short, 48% adequate and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture: 6% very short, 34% short, 59% adequate and 1% surplus.

Michigan

There were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan last week. Throughout the state, warm, dry weather was dominant this week, with a few rain events occurring across central Michigan midweek. Rain came at a critical time for crop development, although most areas were in need of additional precipitation to help the crops along. Daytime temperatures also offered ideal conditions for growth. Corn was progressing nicely with many fields in the pollination stage. Soybeans continued to flourish, especially in areas that received rain. Most fields were blooming and beginning to set pods. Dry bean fields were beginning to set pods, but still remained behind last year and the five-year average. Many sugar beet fields were treated with fungicides. Wheat harvest was ongoing, although for some, was difficult to complete due to scattered showers. Alfalfa and dry hay harvest were also underway, and with the beneficial summer rains, most producers were seeing good yields and quality. Topsoil moisture: 7% very short, 33% short, 57% adequate, 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture: 5% very short, 26% short, 63% adequate, 5% surplus.

Minnesota

Warm and sunny days had Minnesota farmers out cutting hay and beginning small grain harvest during the 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork last week. The warm and dry conditions were beneficial for row-crop development, though some areas could use some rainfall. Activities for the week included cutting hay, harvesting sweet corn, and isolated aerial spraying of pesticides. Topsoil moisture: 3% very short, 23% short, 72% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture: 2% very short, 18% short, 77% adequate and 3% surplus. Corn silking is eight days behind last year and three days behind the five-year average. Corn in dough stage was equal to average. Soybeans blooming were eight days behind last year and equal to average. Setting pods was two days behind average. Spring wheat coloring was five days ahead of average. There were scattered reports of spring wheat being harvested.

Missouri

Average temperatures were the rule for the week while the central parts of the state experienced heavy rainfall. Temperatures last week averaged 77.4 degrees, 0.1 degree above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.25 inches statewide, 0.29 inch above normal. Statewide, topsoil moisture supply was rated 5% very short, 35% short, 59% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 5% very short, 26% short, 68% adequate and 1% surplus. Corn silking progressed to 96%. Corn in the dough stage reached 55%, up 25 percentage points from last week. Corn dented reached 4%. Corn condition was rated 61% good to excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 69%. Soybeans setting pods reached 34%. Soybean condition was rated 65% good to excellent. Cotton squaring reached 93%. Cotton setting bolls reached 30%. Cotton condition was rated 61% good to excellent. Rice headed was at 56%. Rice condition was rated 75% good to excellent.

Nebraska

Temperatures averaged near normal across the state last week. Significant rainfall of an inch or more was received across most of the state. A few north-central counties received as much as 4 inches of rain. Winter wheat harvest was completed for majority of the state. Statewide, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 22% very short, 40% short and 38% adequate. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 19% very short, 41% short and 40% adequate. Corn silking was 91%, near 90 for the five-year average, and dough was 17%, behind 25% average. Corn condition was rated 61% good to excellent. Soybeans blooming was 87%, near 86% average, and setting pods was 47%, near 45% average. Soybean condition was rated 60% good to excellent. Winter wheat harvested was 99%, ahead of 90% average. Sorghum headed was 26%, behind 40% average, and coloring was 2%, near 3% average. Sorghum condition was rated 62% good to excellent. Oats harvested was 89%, ahead of 78% average.

North Dakota

Drought conditions continued to add stress to crops and livestock across the state last week. Some areas in the western part of the state received over an inch of rain late in the week; however, drought conditions persisted. Temperatures across the state averaged 2 to 6 degrees above normal. Statewide, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 36% very short, 37% short, 26% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 29% very short, 37% short, 33% adequate and 1% surplus. Corn silking was 63%, behind 68% for the five-year average, and dough was 3%, behind 6% average. Corn condition was rated 39% good to excellent. Soybeans blooming was 79%, behind 88% average, and setting pods was 49%, behind 57% average. Soybean condition was rated 34% good to excellent. Winter wheat coloring was 97%, mature was 79% and harvested was 32%, near 36% harvested last year. Spring wheat coloring was 78%, ahead of 67% average, and harvested was 5%, behind 7% average. Spring wheat condition was rated 29% good to excellent. Barley coloring was 88%, mature was 57% and harvested was 9%, near 10% average harvested. Oats coloring was 86%, mature was 55% and harvested was 9%, behind 14% average harvested. Durum wheat headed was 95% and coloring was 63%, ahead of 47% average. Durum wheat condition was rated 14% good to excellent. Canola coloring was 52%, near 49% average. Canola condition was rated 33% good to excellent.

Ohio

Cooler and drier weather conditions allowed producers to complete some field work and harvest hay, straw, wheat and oats last week. Statewide, topsoil moisture was rated 3% short, 72% adequate and 25% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2% short, 72% adequate and 26% surplus. Corn was 79% silking and 16% dough, near the average pace of 17% dough. Corn condition was rated 57% good to excellent. Soybeans were 77% blooming, behind the average of 80%, and 41% of soybeans were setting pods, ahead of the average of 37% setting pods. Soybean conditions were rated 48% good to excellent. Winter wheat was 99% harvested, slightly ahead of the average pace of 97%. Oats were 71% harvested, well ahead of the average of 59%.

Oklahoma

The state received minimal rainfall last week, with the highest precipitation totals recorded in the southeast district at just eight-tenths of an inch. As of July 25, drought conditions were rated 52% abnormally dry to exceptional, up approximately 8 points from the previous week and up 14 points from the previous year. Statewide, temperatures averaged in the mid-80s. Statewide, topsoil moisture was rated 14% very short, 56% short and 30% adequate. Subsoil moisture was rated 5% very short, 53% short and 42% adequate. Corn silk reached 76%, down 10 points from normal, while corn dough reached 30%, down 11 points from normal. Corn condition was rated 73% good to excellent. Sorghum headed reached 45% and coloring reached 26%, up 11 points from normal. Soybeans blooming reached 40%, up 5 points from normal, and soybeans setting pods reached 22%, up 13 points from normal. Soybean condition was rated 73% good to excellent. Cotton squaring reached 89%, up 14 points from the previous year and up 12 points from normal. Cotton setting bolls reached 25%, down 4 points from the previous year and down 9 points from normal. Cotton condition was rated 84% good to excellent.

South Dakota

Scattered showers and thunderstorms brought needed moisture to some areas of the state last week; however, rainfall totals varied widely, leaving some locations with little to no precipitation. Soil moisture ratings improved slightly with last week's rain, but remained predominately short to very short statewide. Statewide, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 40% very short, 39% short, 20% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 39% very short, 38% short and 23% adequate. Winter wheat harvested was 82%, ahead of 63% for the five-year average. Spring wheat coloring was 97%, mature was 82% and harvested was 46%, ahead of 31% average harvested. Spring wheat condition was rated 8% good to excellent. Oats mature was 85% and harvested was 51%, near 55% average harvested. Barley coloring was 92%, mature was 54% and harvested was 5%. Corn silking was 80%, near 79% average, and dough was 10%, also near 13% average. Corn condition was rated 29% good to excellent. Soybeans blooming was 80%, near 84% average, and setting pods was 41%, near 45% average. Soybean condition was rated 28% good to excellent. Sorghum headed was 33%, well behind 54% average, and coloring was 2%, near 4% average. Sorghum condition was rated 4% good to excellent.

Texas

The week was mostly dry and hot across the state. Areas of the Panhandle, the Trans-Pecos and east, south and central Texas received between 0.5 inch and 2.0 inches of rain. Statewide, topsoil moisture was rated 18% very short, 46% short, 35% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 16% very short, 40% short, 43% adequate and 1% surplus. Corn was 95% silked, 62% dough, 57% dented, 49% mature and 22% harvested as of Sunday, well ahead of the average pace of 8% harvested. Corn condition was rated 69% good to excellent. Cotton was 83% squaring, 33% setting bolls and 11% bolls opening. Rice was 94% headed and 10% harvested. Sorghum was 46% harvested as of Sunday, ahead of the five-year average of 37%. Soybeans were 88% blooming, 50% setting pods and 6% dropping leaves. Soybean condition was rated 56% good to excellent.

Wisconsin

After some light rains early in the week, Wisconsin farmers enjoyed a block of warm, sunny, dry days last week. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 7% short, 80% adequate and 13% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 3% short, 81% adequate and 16% surplus. Fifty-eight percent of Wisconsin's corn has reached the silking stage, eight days behind last year. Four percent of the corn has reached dough stage. Corn condition was 70% good to excellent, unchanged from the previous week. Seventy-three percent of the state's soybeans were blooming, with 39% setting pods. Soybean condition rated 74% good to excellent, 2 percentage points above the previous week. Oats turning color was reported at 83%, one week behind last year. Harvesting of oats for grain was reported at 16% complete, nine days behind the average. Oats condition was 77% good to excellent, 1 percentage point below the previous week. Winter wheat harvested was reported 40% complete, seven days behind of last year. Winter wheat was rated 79% in good-to-excellent condition, 4 percentage points above the previous week.

National Crop Progress Summary
	This	Last	Last	5-Year
	Week	Week	Year	Avg.
Corn Silking	85	67	89	85
Corn Dough	23	8	28	25
Soybeans Blooming	82	69	84	80
Soybeans Setting Pods	48	29	51	45
Winter Wheat Harvested	88	84	88	86
Spring Wheat Harvested	9	NA	9	9
Cotton Squaring	87	77	91	91
Cotton Setting Bolls	46	36	53	53
Sorghum Headed	49	38	59	52
Sorghum Coloring	23	21	26	28
Oats Harvested	35	24	51	45
Barley Harvested	6	NA	10	9
Rice Headed	64	49	69	57

National Crop Condition Summary
(VP=Very Poor; P=Poor; F=Fair; G=Good; E=Excellent)
	This Week						Last Week						Last Year
	VP	P	F	G	E		VP	P	F	G	E		VP	P	F	G	E
Corn	4	9	26	48	13		4	8	26	49	13		1	5	18	56	20
Soybeans	4	9	28	49	10		4	10	29	47	10		2	5	21	56	16
Spring Wheat	22	21	26	26	5		21	19	27	28	5		2	6	24	58	10
Sorghum	2	7	30	54	7		2	6	33	52	7		1	5	28	55	11
Cotton	5	9	30	43	13		3	9	33	43	12		3	12	35	42	8
Barley	6	11	34	43	6		5	9	35	43	8		1	3	24	58	14
Oats	9	13	27	43	8		9	13	27	43	8		3	7	26	53	11
Rice	1	5	23	53	18		1	4	23	53	19		2	6	26	51	15

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