The USDA’s national corn condition rating fell over the past week. That was largely due to warm, dry weather in portions of the central and eastern Midwest.
As of last Sunday, 64% of the U.S. corn crop is in good to excellent shape, 5% lower than the previous week, with 96% of the crop planted, compared to the five-year average of 91%, and 85% emerged, compared to 77% on average.
61% of soybeans are in good to excellent condition in the first rating of the season, with 31% rated fair. 91% of soybeans are planted, compared to the usual pace of 76%, and 74% have emerged, compared to 56% on average.
36% of winter wheat is called good to excellent, up 2%, with 82% headed, compared to 81% normally in early June, and 4% harvested, matching the five-year average.
64% of spring wheat is rated good to excellent, with 93% planted, in-line with the typical rate, and 76% emerged, compared to 74% on average.
71% of cotton is planted and 6% is squaring, both behind average, and 51% of the crop is reported as good to excellent, 3% more than last week.
88% of rice is planted, compared to 87% on average, with 70% of the crop seen as good to excellent, 2% less than a week ago.
49% of sorghum is planted, compared to the five-year average of 53%.
45% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent shape, a week-to-week improvement of 2%.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Although the 2023 spring planting season is winding down, concerns about crop conditions in some parts of the country are ramping up. Texas was deluged with heavy rains last week while parts of the Midwest are under drought pressure. And with all that is going on around the world with respect to crop condition, it appears we are headed for a weather-driven market. As always, we continue to hope for a great crop year for all farmers and ranchers. This year could be one of “the haves” and “the have nots”. In other words, those fortunate enough to have a normal or above normal crop could benefit from those not so fortunate. We still have a long way to go before harvest and USDA continues promoting the idea that net farm income will be very good again this year. As a CAD member, you are encouraged to pay close attention to crops and crop conditions in your area as the growing season progresses. That said, be sure to encourage farmers/ranchers to visit your service shop and parts department in the interim. Better yet, if you have a mobile unit – pay them a visit, service their vehicles and talk about AgPack® and the inventory you have on AgTruckTrader.com!
