In the 21st Crop Progress Report of the 2025 season, the USDA  outlines continued stability in U.S. row crops. Corn development remains on track, soybean conditions improve modestly, and the winter wheat harvest is nearly finalized. Meanwhile, spring wheat and oat harvests are pacing close to average, offering a clearer picture for farm managers, cooperatives, and investors tracking yields, input efficiency, and harvest logistics.

Corn

As of August 24, corn across the top 18 producing states is progressing steadily:

• 83% of the crop has reached the dough stage, just below the five-year average of 84%.

• 44% has reached the dent stage, fully aligned with long-term trends.

• 7% of the crop is mature, on par with seasonal norms.

Crop condition ratings were unchanged from the previous week:

• 71% rated good to excellent

• 21% rated fair

• 8% rated poor to very poor

This consistency reflects continued support from favorable weather patterns and adequate soil moisture, positioning the crop for a strong finish as harvest nears.

Soybeans

Soybean development also tracked closely with historical patterns:

• 89% of soybeans were setting pods, matching the five-year average.

• 4% had started dropping leaves, indicating early stages of maturation.

Soybean condition showed modest improvement:

• 69% rated good to excellent (up from 68% the prior week)

• 23% rated fair

• 8% rated poor to very poor

The gain in top-tier condition ratings suggests weather stability and disease control are holding firm through the critical pod-filling stage.

Winter Wheat

The winter wheat harvest is nearly complete:

• 98% of the crop has been harvested across the top 18 producing states.

• Remaining activity is concentrated in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

This milestone keeps the U.S. wheat supply chain moving efficiently into the final marketing months and provides solid footing for grain market forecasting.

Spring Wheat

Progress and quality are slightly more varied in the spring wheat sector:

• 53% of the crop has been harvested across six major states, just under the five-year average of 54%.

• Crop conditions reflect some regional stress:

  • 49% good to excellent

  • 33% fair

  • 18% poor to very poor

These figures suggest localized variability in soil moisture, heat stress, or disease pressure impacting overall performance.

Oats

Oat harvest continues steadily:

• 80% of the crop has been harvested across nine leading states, perfectly aligned with the five-year average.

This consistency supports planning across feed markets and regional livestock operations.

Agricultural Outlook

The report's overall tone is one of measured optimism:

• Corn and soybeans are progressing reliably with few disruptions.

• Wheat harvests, both winter and spring, are largely within expected bounds.

• Oats are finishing in line with historical benchmarks.

For farmers, agronomists, and agribusiness leaders, these data points are crucial for managing harvest labor, storage, and transport logistics, while also informing decisions related to crop insurance claims and market timing.

As fall approaches, stakeholders should continue to monitor weather developments, input costs, and market dynamics-all of which remain integral to final yield outcomes and price forecasts.