USDA weekly report on crop and soil conditions

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending August 18, 2024, there were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 7% very short, 25% short, 63% adequate, and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated at 5% very short, 20% short, 70% adequate, and 5% surplus, reflecting the varying conditions across different regions.

The USDA's field crops report provided detailed updates on several key crops. Corn conditions were rated at 2% very poor, 5% poor, 23% fair, 58% good, and 12% excellent. Corn silking was almost complete at 98%, close to the previous year’s 96% and matching the five-year average.

The dough stage was at 68%, near last year’s 72% and slightly above the 66% average. However, the denting stage was slower, with only 9% of corn dented, behind last year’s 17% and the average of 13%.

Soybean conditions were reported as 2% very poor, 5% poor, 25% fair, 58% good, and 10% excellent. Soybeans were blooming at 96%, nearly matching last year’s 97% and the five-year average of 95%. Soybean pod setting was at 76%, close to last year’s 80% and the 79% average.

Spring wheat harvest was progressing well, with 70% of the crop harvested, near both last year’s and the average of 69%. Oat harvesting was ahead of schedule, with 91% harvested compared to 85% last year and an 83% average.

Sorghum conditions showed some variability, with 0% rated very poor, 8% poor, 23% fair, 67% good, and 2% excellent. Sorghum heading was at 90%, slightly behind last year’s 98% but close to the 86% average. However, the coloring process was significantly behind, at just 17%, compared to 51% last year and a 23% average.

Sunflower conditions were relatively strong, with 0% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 64% good, and 5% excellent. Sunflower blooming was at 83%, near last year’s 80%.

In the pasture and range report, conditions were rated at 4% very poor, 18% poor, 33% fair, 36% good, and 9% excellent, indicating a mixed outlook for pasturelands.

The USDA continues to provide timely and accurate data to help guide agricultural practices and decision-making across the country.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-sasiistock