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May 25 Crop Progress: Conditions Guide the Market
The USDA’s May 25 Crop Progress report shows planting is nearly complete for corn, soybeans, and spring wheat, with emergence rapidly catching up. However, market attention is shifting to early crop conditions as June weather risks rise.
Corn: 87% Planted, 67% Emerged | 68% Good to Excellent
Corn planting reached 87%, even with last year and the five-year average. Emergence jumped to 67%, well ahead of 28% at this time last year. The first condition rating shows 68% rated Good to Excellent (G/E), made up of 56% Good and 12% Excellent. Iowa leads with 83% G/E, while North Dakota trails with just 48%. June weather will be critical for preserving early momentum.
Soybeans: 76% Planted, 50% Emerged
Soybean planting is now 76% complete, up from 68% last week and ahead of the five-year average of 66%. Emergence stands at 50%. USDA has not yet issued condition ratings for soybeans, but early stand observations in the Midwest appear favorable. Weather in the next 10–14 days will shape first ratings due early June.
Spring Wheat: 87% Planted, 60% Emerged | 45% Good to Excellent
Spring wheat planting matched the five-year pace at 87%, with emergence improving to 60%. USDA issued the first crop condition rating this week: 45% is rated Good to Excellent, with 37% rated Fair. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana show wide variability as cooler temps and patchy moisture persist in the Northern Plains.
Winter Wheat: 50% Good to Excellent
Winter wheat condition ratings remained flat this week at 50% Good to Excellent, with the biggest declines seen in Nebraska and Texas due to persistent wet weather. Quality concerns continue in areas approaching harvest, especially in the Southern Plains, where rainfall during grain fill may impact test weights and milling performance.
Outlook
With planting wrapping up and emergence accelerating, the focus is squarely on crop health. Corn conditions are solid but not exceptional. Soybeans are off to a fast start, and spring wheat is mixed. Winter wheat remains vulnerable to late-season damage. The next few weeks of weather will be crucial as traders adjust positions ahead of the June USDA reports and acreage re-surveys.
