Mixed crop conditions and steady fieldwork

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending August 11, 2024, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 14% very short, 40% short, 44% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels showed similar trends, with 13% rated very short, 43% short, 43% adequate, and 1% surplus.

The condition of field crops varied, with corn rated 8% very poor, 15% poor, 31% fair, 36% good, and 10% excellent. Corn silking was nearly complete at 95%, matching the five-year average, while corn dough was at 78%, ahead of both last year and the average. Dented corn was at 32%, also ahead of the previous year's progress.

Soybean conditions were rated 3% very poor, 9% poor, 28% fair, 50% good, and 10% excellent. Soybean blooming was 86%, close to last year’s 89%, and pod setting was at 56%, near the average but slightly behind last year.

Sorghum condition was mixed, with 6% rated very poor, 12% poor, 37% fair, 39% good, and 6% excellent. Sorghum heading was strong at 70%, ahead of both last year and the average, with coloring at 20%, also ahead of previous years.

Cotton condition was generally good, with 42% rated good and 9% excellent. Cotton setting balls reached 84%, well ahead of the average, and 8% of balls were opening, slightly ahead of last year.

Pasture and range conditions were varied, with 7% very poor, 16% poor, 34% fair, 37% good, and 6% excellent, reflecting the mixed moisture conditions across regions.

Photo Credit: usda