The USDA's 14th Crop Progress Report of the 2025 season, released July 7, highlights significant shifts in crop development and condition across the U.S. agricultural landscape, especially for corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats.

Corn Advances Ahead of Schedule Corn conditions continue to impress with 74% rated good to excellent, while only 5% fell into the poor or very poor categories. As of July 6, 18% of corn in the top 18 producing states had reached the silking stage, surpassing the five-year average of 15%.

This week also marks the first observation of corn at the dough stage, with 3% of the crop in nine states hitting this milestone-above the five-year average of 2%. These metrics suggest promising development, particularly in the heart of the Corn Belt.

Soybean Blooming Near Average Soybean emergence reached 96%, just shy of the 98% five-year average, while 32% of the crop had bloomed, slightly ahead of average. Additionally, 8% had begun setting pods, surpassing the 6% norm.

Crop condition ratings show 66% good/excellent, 27% fair, and 7% poor/very poor. Although slightly behind corn in terms of condition, soybeans appear to be progressing steadily.

Winter Wheat Harvest Sluggish, Quality Low The winter wheat harvest is 53% complete, just under the average of 54% for this time of year. Only Montana has yet to begin harvest, which is typical for the region.

However, the condition of winter wheat remains weak: only 48% is rated good to excellent, while a concerning 18% is poor to very poor-matching a two-month low in quality.

Spring Wheat, Oats Maintain Momentum In the six major spring wheat states, 61% of the crop had headed, outpacing the five-year average of 58%. Crop condition stands at 50% good/excellent, 35% fair, and 15% poor/very poor.

Meanwhile, oats in nine leading states have reached 85% heading, ahead of the 82% norm. Despite this, condition ratings are mixed: 60% good/excellent, 25% fair, and 15% poor/very poor.

Global Context: Argentina's Soybean Harvest and Wheat Development While U.S. producers track domestic progress, global competitors like Argentina have completed their soybean harvest, aided by a cold front that is also accelerating wheat development there. These dynamics could influence global commodity prices and export competitiveness in the weeks ahead.

Looking Ahead As summer peaks, crop health and regional variability will play a decisive role in yield outcomes and commodity pricing. USDA's upcoming reports will be closely monitored for early signs of stress or resilience, especially in corn and soybean belt states.