🌱 USDA Crop Progress & Conditions – Week Ending July 21, 2025

The USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows strong week-over-week development across key row crops, with corn and soybean progress accelerating across the Midwest. While regional rainfall deficits remain in parts of the Plains and Delta, overall crop conditions remain stable, with no major deterioration in the top-producing states.

🌽 Corn

Corn silking has moved forward aggressively, reaching 56% completion across the 18 primary growing states—up from just 34% last week. The dough stage has also begun to emerge in earnest, now at 14%, slightly ahead of the 5-year average of 12%. States like North Carolina and Texas are leading the transition into reproductive stages, while northern areas continue to catch up after a slower start.

Crop condition ratings held steady this week. Nationwide, 74% of corn acres are rated Good to Excellent, while just 6% fall into the Poor to Very Poor category. This stability reinforces expectations for strong yield potential barring major weather setbacks in August.

🌱 Soybeans

Soybean blooming advanced to 62% across the 18-state group, marking a 15-point gain from last week. Pod setting is now underway in 26% of fields. These reproductive stages are key for determining yield potential, and current progress is on par with the 5-year pace. Louisiana, North Dakota, and Iowa are among the states showing the most rapid development.

The national soybean condition rating declined just slightly, with 68% rated Good to Excellent, down from 70% last week. The Poor to Very Poor rating rose marginally to 7%. While the dip is not alarming, traders and producers alike will be closely watching forecasted rain totals over the next two weeks.

🌾 Spring Wheat

Spring wheat continues to push through reproductive stages, with 87% of acres headed as of Sunday. The Northern Plains experienced favorable growing conditions early, but heat stress in July has begun to impact crop ratings.

The crop condition fell slightly week-over-week. 52% of spring wheat is rated Good to Excellent, while 6% is now categorized as Poor to Very Poor. Montana and parts of the Dakotas saw the largest condition declines, particularly in drier zones.

✅ Summary

Overall, crops are progressing well across the Midwest and Plains. Corn and soybeans are entering critical yield-determining stages, with strong condition ratings offering support for trend-level yields. However, as the calendar turns toward August, eyes will remain locked on rain coverage, temperature trends, and developing drought footprints in key growing regions.