U.S. corn crop's condition dips, USDA says

INDIANOLA, Iowa — The U.S. corn rating falls, according to the USDA Monday.

Corn

On Monday, the USDA released its Crop Progress Report that shows U.S. farmers have seen a corn crop deteriorate.

In its report, the USDA estimates the corn good/excellent rating at 71%, down from 75% a week ago.

Meanwhile, 95% of the nation's corn has emerged vs. a 92% five-year average.

Soybeans

USDA rated the nation's soybean planting completion rate at 93% vs. a 88% five-year average.

Meanwhile, 81% of the U.S. soybean crop has emerged vs. a 75% five-year average.

In its report, the USDA estimates the soybean good/excellent rating at 72% vs. 72% a week ago.

Wheat

In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter wheat crop as 15% harvested, equal to the 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 nonprobability 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, according to the USDA report.