US corn and soybean condition ratings rise ahead of heat wave

The USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows that 68% of the U.S. corn crop is rated good to excellent, a one‑point increase from the previous week, with 34% of the corn silking and 6% in the dough stage. Soybean conditions also improved, with 65% rated good to excellent, up one point, half of the soybean crop now blooming and 19% setting pods, both ahead of historical averages.

Other major crops reported modest gains: winter wheat harvest is 67% complete, spring wheat heading matches the five‑year average, and cotton condition slipped to 44% good to excellent. Rice, sorghum, and pasture conditions were also detailed. Despite these positive ratings, forecasters warn of a significant heat wave expected to hit the northern Corn Belt this week, which could increase stress on crops as dry conditions persist.

The report underscores generally strong crop conditions in the Upper Midwest, with Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota showing the highest percentages of good to excellent ratings for both corn and soybeans.