Corn, soybean growth stages progress, USDA says

As the calendar approaches mid-August, the U.S. corn and soybean growth stages remain mostly ahead of their averages.

However, the two crops' good/excellent ratings diverged, last week, the USDA Crop Progress Report said Monday.

CORN

In its report, the USDA's estimate of corn with a good/excellent rating is 71% vs. 72% a week ago.

Meanwhile, 97% of the nation's corn is silking vs. a 95% five-year average.

The USDA pegged the U.S. corn as 11% dented vs. a 12% five-year average.

For the U.S., 59% of the corn crop has entered the dough state vs. a 52% five-year average.

SOYBEANS

USDA rated 92% of the nation's soybean crop in the blooming stage, ahead of the 89% five-year average.

At the same time, 75% of the U.S. soybean crop is setting pods vs. a 68% five-year average.

In its report, the USDA estimates the soybean good/excellent rating at 74% vs. 73% a week ago.

WHEAT

In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter wheat crop as 90% harvested vs. an 93% 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.