September crop conditions show mixed results

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending September 29, 2024, there were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture was rated 23% very short, 39% short, 38% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 21% very short, 33% short, 46% adequate, and 0% surplus.  

Field Crops Report:

Corn condition was rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 28% fair, 51% good, and 11% excellent. Corn dented reached 96%, nearly matching last year’s 99% and the five-year average. Corn maturity was at 62%, lower than 74% last year and 67% average. Corn harvested stood at 7%, behind 14% last year and near the 10% average.

Soybean condition was rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 31% fair, 51% good, and 8% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 81%, slightly behind 87% last year and near the 84% average. Harvested soybeans were at 15%, near last year’s 17% but behind the 21% average.

Winter wheat planting reached 58%, lower than 65% last year and close to the 62% average. Emergence was at 16%, near last year’s 20% and the 19% average.

Sorghum condition rated 3% very poor, 15% poor, 24% fair, 55% good, and 3% excellent. Sorghum maturity was 77%, ahead of the 66% average. Harvest progress for sorghum reached 16%, surpassing last year's 9%.

Sunflower conditions were rated 7% very poor, 7% poor, 32% fair, 49% good, and 5% excellent. Sunflower ray flowers dry stood at 85%, behind last year’s 94%. Bracts turning yellow reached 66%, while bracts turning brown were at 36%.

Pasture and Range Report:

Pasture and range conditions were rated 21% very poor, 30% poor, 21% fair, 23% good, and 5% excellent.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev