Agriculture progress report issued by USDA

By Scout Nelson

As we stepped into September, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending September 1, 2024. This period allowed significant advancement in key agricultural activities.

The soil moisture levels showed considerable variation, with topsoil moisture rated as 11% very short, 40% short, 47% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture mirrored these conditions closely, indicating a pressing need for rain in many areas.

In the field crops sector, the progress varied across different crops:

Winter Wheat: Planting commenced with 1% of the crop in the ground, consistent with the previous year’s pace.

Corn: Showed diverse health conditions, with 48% of the crop rated as good to excellent. The corn development stages were promising, with 96% reaching the dough stage and 76% dented, slightly ahead of the average. The maturity of the crop was also progressing well, with 36% matured and 4% already harvested.

Soybeans: Maintained a robust profile, with 61% rated good to excellent. About 95% of soybeans had bloomed, and 86% were setting pods. Leaf drops had begun in 11% of the crop, indicating the onset of the final maturity stages.

Sorghum and Cotton: Both crops showed good progress, with sorghum maturing faster than average and cotton balls opening at a rate ahead of typical years.

Pasture and range conditions were generally good, supporting livestock well, with over 46% rated as good or excellent. This is crucial for grazing and overall livestock health as the season transitions from summer to fall.

Overall, the report from the USDA offers a snapshot of the agricultural landscape, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of crops amidst varying moisture conditions and providing insights that are vital for farmers, policymakers, and market analysts.

This ongoing data collection and reporting effort by the USDA are invaluable in helping manage and forecast the outcomes for the agricultural sector effectively.

Photo Credit:usda