According to USDA figures, 56% of corn in the top 18 producing states has reached the silking stage, down 2 points from the five-year average of 58%. Meanwhile, 14% of the crop has entered the dough stage, edging ahead of the 12% five-year norm. Colorado and North Dakota reported no silking activity at this point in the season.

Crop health remains a bright spot:

• Good/excellent: 74%

• Fair: 20%

• Poor/very poor: 6%

These figures reflect strong crop resilience, despite phenological delays.

Soybeans: Near Average Development, Strong Condition

In soybean fields, 62% of the crop has bloomed, nearly matching the five-year average of 63%. Additionally, 26% has reached the pod-setting stage, fully in line with historical trends.

Soybean condition ratings hold steady:

• Good/excellent: 68%

• Fair: 25%

• Poor/very poor: 7%

The outlook remains favorable, supported by recent rainfall and moderate temperatures in several key regions.

Winter Wheat: Slight Edge in Harvest Pace

Harvest is nearly complete for winter wheat, with 73% harvested across the top 18 states, slightly ahead of the 72% five-year average. This indicates a consistent pace and stable grain quality for producers.

Spring Wheat: Headed Ahead, But Mixed Conditions

In spring wheat territories, 87% of the crop has headed, slightly below the 88% average. However, crop conditions show more variability:

• Good/excellent: 52%

• Fair: 32%

• Poor/very poor: 16%

Concerns persist in northern Plains areas due to pockets of heat stress and inconsistent moisture.

Oats: On Schedule with Slightly Lower Conditions

Oat fields across nine key states are mostly on track:

• Headed: 96% (vs. 95% average)

• Harvested: 20% (matching five-year average)

But the condition breakdown reveals some growing stress:

• Good/excellent: 58%

• Fair: 24%

• Poor/very poor: 18%

Yield expectations remain moderate as growers eye market signals and weather trends for late-season performance.

While current crop health indicators remain largely favorable, the slight lag in development stages for corn and soybeans could become more critical if late-season heat or storms hit key production zones. Additionally, producers remain watchful of input costs, commodity prices, and harvest labor availability as they plan for the back half of the 2025 season.