U.S. corn condition remained relatively stable with 69% rated good to excellent as of August 31, according to the Department of Agriculture's weekly crop progress report.
The report showed 90% of corn had reached the dough stage, slightly behind the 91% five-year average. Corn denting hit 58%, compared to 60% for the same period last year, while 15% of the crop has reached maturity.
Soybean development continues at a normal pace with 94% setting pods, on par with the five-year average. About 11% of soybeans are dropping leaves, slightly ahead of last year's 10% but behind the 12% historical average.
Cotton condition saw modest declines with 51% rated good to excellent, down from 56% last year. Cotton bolls opening reached 30% nationwide, below the five-year average of 35%.
Topsoil moisture was rated 62% adequate to surplus across surveyed states, with several Midwestern states reporting improved conditions following recent precipitation.
Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.8 nationally, allowing producers to advance harvest preparations in many areas. Pasture and rangeland conditions remained challenging with 31% rated poor to very poor across the 48 reporting states.
