USDA Crop Conditions & Progress Report – June 23, 2025

The June 23, 2025 USDA Crop Conditions & Progress Report provides key insights into the current state of U.S. row crops, including corn, soybeans, spring wheat, and winter wheat. With volatile weather across the Midwest and Plains, this week’s update reflects a mix of solid emergence progress and crop condition concerns, especially in the Northern Plains and parts of the Eastern Corn Belt.

🌽 Corn Crop Conditions and Progress

Nationally, 97% of the U.S. corn crop has emerged, nearly matching the 5-year average. Silking is underway at 4%, which aligns with both last year and historical norms for this week.

The overall corn condition rating stands at 70% Good to Excellent, a slight decline from 72% last week. The deterioration is modest but notable in eastern states like Indiana and Ohio, which reported increased Fair ratings and some signs of localized stress.

• Iowa: 83% G/E – stable and strong conditions across central and northern zones.
• Illinois: 74% G/E – modest drop as rains slow progress and raise disease concerns.
• North Dakota: Just 55% G/E – notable increase in Fair to Poor ratings.

While top-producing states remain in solid shape, emerging drought risks in the Dakotas and patchy heat in the East are adding uncertainty to early-season expectations.

🌱 Soybean Progress and Emergence

Soybean planting is virtually complete at 96%, with 90% of the crop emerged and 8% already blooming. That blooming figure is slightly ahead of the 5-year average, pointing to a fast-developing crop in some areas.

The condition of the soybean crop is rated 66% Good to Excellent, steady with last week. That said, regional disparities are emerging — particularly between the Western Corn Belt and some lagging areas in the East.

• Minnesota: 76% G/E – excellent planting pace and consistent stands.
• Louisiana: 82% G/E – best in the nation, benefiting from warm and stable weather.
• Ohio: Only 57% G/E – slow emergence and signs of excess moisture.

Early blooms will require careful weather monitoring through July, especially in regions prone to July dryness or humidity-driven disease pressures.

🌾 Spring Wheat Status: Uneven Emergence

Spring wheat emergence has reached 93% overall, with 17% of the crop headed. This is slightly behind the 5-year heading average (18%) but generally in line with past years. However, the condition ratings reveal concern.

Only 54% of the crop is rated Good to Excellent, a meaningful drop from the prior week and significantly below last year’s 71% G/E.

• Montana: Just 10% Good, 42% rated Poor/Very Poor — concerning dryness and heat.
• Minnesota: 89% G/E — top performer this week.
• North Dakota: 68% G/E — steady but weakening in western counties.

With much of the spring wheat acreage in the Northern Plains, the coming 10–14 days will be critical for yield-setting stages. Rainfall will be decisive in determining potential output.

🌾 Winter Wheat: Harvest Behind Schedule

Winter wheat harvest reached 19% completion as of Sunday, trailing the 5-year average of 28%. Delays are most evident in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri due to excess rainfall and fieldwork interruptions.

The national condition rating stands at 49% Good to Excellent, slightly down from last week (52% G/E), but still an improvement over last year’s 47% G/E.

• California: 95% Excellent — irrigated systems delivered another strong year.
• Kansas: 45% G/E — better than feared after early spring concerns.
• Nebraska: Just 40% G/E — condition slipping due to dryness in western counties.

Expect harvest pace to accelerate this week as heat returns to the Plains. Watch for quality variability and protein levels as cutting expands northward.

Data sourced from the USDA NASS Crop Conditions Progress report released June 23, 2025. For deeper insights or custom charts, contact Paradigm Futures.