As of July 13, 34% of U.S. corn in the top 18 producing states had reached the silking stage, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 33%. In addition, 7% of the crop had reached dough stage, beating the five-year benchmark of 5%.

Crop condition ratings remain robust:

• Good/Excellent: 74%

• Fair: 21%

• Poor/Very Poor: 5%

These numbers reflect strong early-season growth, thanks to favorable temperatures and rainfall across major corn-producing regions.

Soybeans: Blooming on Track, Pod Setting Begins

Soybeans are also advancing steadily. As of mid-July:

• 47% of soybeans had reached the blooming stage, in line with historical averages.

• 15% of the crop had set pods, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 14%.

One outlier is South Dakota, where no pod-setting was reported by July 13-behind its five-year norm of 5%.

National crop ratings for soybeans:

• Good/Excellent: 70%

• Fair: 25%

• Poor/Very Poor: 5%

These strong numbers offer confidence as the crop enters critical yield-setting stages amid rising biofuel demand, which is projected to absorb over 50% of U.S. soy oil production in 2026.

Winter Wheat: Harvest Nears Completion

Across 18 winter wheat-growing states:

• 63% of the crop had been harvested by July 13, slightly behind the five-year average of 64%.

• Arkansas reported 100% completion, while Montana had yet to begin.

Overall, the winter wheat harvest is proceeding smoothly, though regional differences persist.

Spring Wheat: Headed Ahead of Average, Condition Mixed

In six spring wheat states:

• 78% of the crop had headed, ahead of the five-year average of 75%.

Condition ratings show greater variability:

• Good/Excellent: 54%

• Fair: 33%

• Poor/Very Poor: 13%

This reflects scattered drought and disease pressure in key areas.

Oats: Headed, but Quality Declines

Among the nine top oat-producing states:

• 92% of the crop had headed, surpassing the five-year average of 90%.

• 12% had been harvested, matching historical norms.

Crop condition for oats is less promising:

• Good/Excellent: 59%

• Fair: 25%

• Poor/Very Poor: 16%

Key Takeaways for U.S. Producers

• Corn and soybeans are progressing well and could reach high yield potential if conditions hold.

• Wheat and oats present a mixed picture, with localized challenges in quality and maturity.

• Continued scouting and timely fungicide decisions will be critical as the crops enter reproductive and grain-fill stages.