USDA reports mixed U.S. crop conditions and declining southern pastures

The latest USDA weekly crop progress report shows mixed conditions for U.S. agriculture. National corn ratings remain steady at 57% good to excellent, while soybean conditions saw a slight decline to 58% good to excellent. Cotton ratings improved to 39%, and grain sorghum rose to 28% good to excellent.

In the southern plains, pasture and range conditions are declining. Oklahoma's good to excellent ratings fell to 9%, compared to 63% a year ago, with poor to very poor conditions reaching 61%. Similarly, Kansas and Texas reported decreases in good to excellent pasture conditions, with national pasture ratings at 18% good to excellent.

Harvesting activity is underway for several crops. Spring wheat harvest is at 77%, ahead of the five-year average, and rice harvest is at 38%. Corn is largely in the dough-making stage, with 92% of the crop reaching that phase.