News Crop News Crop Progress Report boosts corn, bean ratings three points Corn quality is dramatically higher than last year’s troubled crop with only 58% good/excellent at this time. By Dan Looker Dan Looker Resides In: Des Moines, Iowa Dan's agricultural journalism career began at the Center for Rural Affairs in Nebraska as its publications editor. He was farm editor at the Lincoln Journal-Star during the farm debt crisis of the 1980s and later worked at The Des Moines Register as agribusiness writer. In 1992 he joined the staff of Successful Farming magazine as business editor. Successful Farming's Editorial Guidelines Published on July 27, 2020 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Natalina Sents The U.S. corn and soybean ratings have both jumped to 72% good or excellent, up 3 points from a week ago, the USDA Crop Progress Report said Monday. Corn In its report, the USDA's estimate of corn with a good/excellent rating is up from 69% a week ago. Meanwhile, 82% of the nation's corn is silking vs. a 75% five-year average. Among Corn Belt states, Minnesota is furthest along, with 90% silking; Missouri, Nebraska, and Illinois were at 89%. At the same time, corn silking is at 64% in Ohio and 56% in North Dakota. For the U.S., 22% of the corn crop has entered the dough state vs. a 17% five-year average. Soybeans USDA rated 76% of the nation's soybean crop in the blooming stage, ahead of the 72% five-year average. At the same time, 43% of the U.S. soybean crop is setting pods vs. a 36% five-year average. In its report, the USDA estimates the soybean good/excellent rating at 72% vs. 69% a week ago. Wheat In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter wheat crop as 81% harvested vs. an 82% five-year average. Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to the USDA report. "The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Based on standard definitions, these respondents subjectively estimate the progress of crops through various stages of development, as well as the progress of producer activities. They also provide subjective evaluations of crop conditions," the USDA stated in its Monday report. Most respondents complete their questionnaires on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the report. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit