Weekly USDA crop and soil summary

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending August 18, 2024, there were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork, as reported by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture was reported as 3% very short, 14% short, 70% adequate, and 13% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 4% very short, 12% short, 74% adequate, and 10% surplus.

The report also provided a detailed update on field crops. Soybean conditions were rated at 1% very poor, 9% poor, 33% fair, 52% good, and 5% excellent. Soybeans blooming was at 91%, behind the previous year's 98% and the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods were at 64%, significantly lower than last year's 90% and the 84% average.

Spring wheat condition was reported at 1% very poor, 3% poor, 18% fair, 61% good, and 17% excellent. The spring wheat coloring process was at 90%, close to 94% last year but behind the 95% average. Mature wheat was at 62%, behind last year's 68% and the average of 71%. Harvesting progress was at 21%, matching last year's rate but behind the 26% average.

The durum wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 12% fair, 72% good, and 13% excellent. The wheat coloring process was 96%, ahead of last year's 90% and close to the 92% average. Maturity was at 58%, trailing last year's 64% and the 67% average.

Winter wheat maturity was nearly complete at 96%, close to last year's 97% and the average. The harvest was 76% complete, ahead of last year's 69% and close to the 73% average.

Corn conditions were rated as 1% very poor, 9% poor, 29% fair, 55% good, and 6% excellent. Corn silking was nearly complete at 96%, close to last year's 99% and matching the average. Corn in the dough stage was at 33%, behind both last year and the five-year average.

The report covered other crops, including canola, sugarbeets, oats, barley, and dry edible beans, with specific details on their condition and progress. The USDA's NASS continues to provide timely, accurate, and useful data to support U.S. agriculture.

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Photo Credit: usda