Missouri's 2025 growing season is unfolding with variable moisture levels, aggressive pests, and steady development across the state's major row crops, according to the USDA's July 28 Crop Progress report.

Weather: A Tale of Two Missouris

The northern half of the state reports more than double the typical moisture for late July, while southern Missouri remains near seasonal averages. Pockets in both regions are experiencing below-average moisture, limiting fieldwork. Missouri farmers had just 4.0 suitable field days the week ending July 27-down from 6.4 days during the same period in 2024.

Topsoil moisture was rated 8% short, 71% adequate, and 21% surplus, with no "very short" conditions. Subsoil moisture held at 12% short, 76% adequate, and 12% surplus.

Corn: Strong Growth, But Tar Spot Expands

Corn acreage in Missouri jumped to 3.9 million acres this year, up from 3.45 million in 2024. Growth progress is ahead of average, with 91% silking (vs. 89% five-year average) and 48% at the dough stage.

However, pest pressure is mounting. Tar spot has been confirmed in 21 counties, and corn leafhopper infestations-which transmit corn stunt disease-were verified in Boone and Lawrence counties. Extension specialists urge early scouting:

"Corn stunt symptoms generally appear within 30 days of infection. By then, there is nothing farmers can do," warned entomologist Ivair Valmorbida.

Corn condition remains solid:

1% very poor

5% poor

15% fair

52% good

17% excellent

Soybeans: Blooming Advances, Dectes Stem Borer Detected

Farmers planted 5.7 million acres of soybeans in 2025-down slightly from 2024. Current progress is promising:

67% blooming (above 63% avg.)

34% setting pods (vs. 29% avg.)

Condition ratings reflect resilience:

3% poor

19% fair

69% good

9% excellent

No very poor acres reported

Pest scouts noted Dectes stem borer adult activity in early July. While no thresholds are set for this pest, Valmorbida advises weed control and early harvest in infested fields to minimize lodging losses.

Cotton: Behind Average in Setting Bolls

Missouri planted 350,000 acres of cotton, down 50,000 from last year. Crop development lags slightly:

86% squaring (on track with average)

37% setting bolls (behind 45% five-year avg.)

Condition ratings show a modest outlook:

14% poor

27% fair

59% good

No acres were rated very poor or excellent.

Rice: Ahead of Average on Heading

Missouri growers planted 195,000 acres of rice (190K lograin, 5K medium-grain). Heading progress is 45%, above the 36% five-year average and near 2024's 44%.

Wheat: Harvest Wrapped, Acreage Down

Winter wheat acreage dropped to 640,000 acres, down 300,000 from last year. However, 100% of the crop is now harvested, closing out the season with no major issues.

Pasture, Hay, and Range: Strong Conditions Hold

Missouri's 3 million acres of hay, up 155,000 from 2024, benefited from adequate soil moisture. Pasture and range ratings were among the best in the country:

1% poor

11% fair

74% good

14% excellent

The national average shows significantly worse conditions, with 9% very poor and 17% poor.

Despite expanding disease concerns in corn and emerging pest threats in soybeans, Missouri's key crops are largely holding steady. With favorable moisture in most areas and developmental milestones on track, the Show-Me State's ag economy remains cautiously optimistic heading into August.