The nation's major field crops are showing largely favorable progress as of mid-June, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report released Monday.
Corn emergence reached 94 percent across the 18 major producing states, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 94 percent. Condition ratings remained strong with 72 percent of the crop rated good to excellent, though this represents a slight decline from the previous year's 72 percent rating at the same time.
"The overall crop development is maintaining a healthy pace despite some regional challenges with moisture levels," said Anthony Prillaman, acting chief of the USDA's Crops Branch.
Soybean planting is now 93 percent complete in the major producing states, with emergence at 84 percent, slightly ahead of the five-year average. Approximately 66 percent of the soybean crop is rated good to excellent, matching last year's rating for the same period.
Winter wheat harvest has begun across southern states, with 16 percent of the crop harvested nationally. Oklahoma reports 46 percent completion, while Texas leads at 57 percent. Overall winter wheat condition ratings show 52 percent in the good to excellent categories, up slightly from last year.
Cotton planting has reached 85 percent completion across the 15 major producing states, with squaring at 19 percent. Condition ratings indicate 48 percent of the cotton crop is rated good to excellent.
Moisture conditions present a mixed picture nationally. Topsoil moisture is rated 62 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus, though 23 percent of cropland is experiencing short to very short moisture conditions. Several western states continue to report significant moisture deficits, with Nevada reporting 95 percent of topsoil moisture as short to very short.
Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.7 days across the country, with considerable regional variation. Pasture and range conditions show 46 percent rated good to excellent, with southern and western regions continuing to face challenging conditions.
