Louisiana is significantly ahead, with 58% of soybeans reported at the dropping leaves stage, up 18 percentage points from last week and 19 points ahead of last year. This places it 21 points above the five-year average of 37%. Crop condition in Louisiana remains exceptional, with 82% rated good and 10% excellent.

Close behind is Mississippi, where 39% of soybeans have dropped leaves, outperforming both last year and the five-year average by notable margins. The state's soybean crop is also in good shape: 43% good and 18% excellent, with only 6% rated poor or very poor.

Arkansas reports 23% of soybeans dropping leaves, slightly behind last year but still above the five-year average. Crop conditions are strong, with 51% good and 14% excellent.

Emerging Progress in the Southeast and Plains

In North Carolina, 10% of soybeans have reached the dropping leaves stage, well ahead of the 3% five-year average. The crop condition remains solid, with 56% rated good and 17% excellent.

Tennessee also reports 10% of soybeans dropping leaves, near the five-year average. Crop health is more mixed, with 41% rated good and 8% excellent, but 21% rated poor or very poor.

The Midwest Joins the Maturity Curve

Illinois, a major soybean producer, joined the list this week with just 2% of soybeans dropping leaves, slightly behind last year. Crop condition stands at 42% good and 16% excellent, with 16% rated poor or very poor.

Indiana shows a similar trend, with 2% dropping leaves, down from 6% at this time last year. 53% of soybeans are rated good and 10% excellent, reflecting a solid crop outlook.

Kentucky matches the Midwest with 2% of soybeans dropping leaves, near seasonal averages. The crop's health is mostly stable, with 50% rated good and 6% excellent.

First Signs in the Northern Plains

South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, and North Dakota all report early signs of maturity with 1-2% of soybeans entering the dropping leaves stage. Missouri matches its five-year average, while North Dakota and South Dakota are slightly behind. However, all four states boast strong crop conditions, with Missouri reporting 65% good and 11% excellent, and South Dakota topping the chart with 25% excellent ratings.

National Outlook Strong Despite Regional Variation

Despite differences in maturity timelines, overall soybean crop conditions across reporting states are notably strong, with the majority showing good-to-excellent ratings exceeding 65%. This supports optimism for favorable harvest yields if weather conditions remain stable.

As late-season diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome emerge as localized threats, continued field scouting and crop protection will be vital to ensure healthy maturation.

With harvest season approaching, regional variations in crop maturity will be closely monitored, particularly as weather patterns and input conditions shape the final yield potential for the 2025 season.