July 5, 2012

US corn, soy condition ratings down on hot, dry weather

Over the past week in some key US growing areas pushed corn and soy condition ratings lower due to persistent hot, dry weather.

USDA reports as of Sunday (July 1), 48% of US corn is in good to excellent condition, down 8% from last week and 21% below this time last year. About 10 of the 18 major growing states are at or below the 50% mark, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Crop development is ahead of average with 26% of corn silking, compared to 7% a year ago and the five year average of 12%.

For soy, 45% is rated good to excellent, 8% less than a week ago and 21% less than a year ago. Out of the 18 major US soy growing states, 11 are at or below 50%, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 26% of soys are blooming, compared to 7% last year and 12% on average.

Spring wheat also saw a decline in the condition rating with 71% called good to excellent, 6% lower than a week ago but 1% higher than a year ago. 73% of spring wheat has headed, compared to 12% last year and 35% on average.

About 69% of the US winter wheat crop has been harvested, compared to 49% a year ago and 43% on average.

Moreover, 25% of US pasture and rangelands are in good to excellent shape, down 9% on the week and 26% less than this time last year. Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri are all at 0% and only 1% of Ohio is called good to excellent.