Overview of crop conditions and field progress

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending October 6, 2024, there were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report indicates significant challenges with moisture levels, with topsoil moisture supplies rated as follows: 29% very short, 42% short, 29% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies reflect similar challenges, with ratings of 25% very short, 36% short, 39% adequate, and 0% surplus.

In the Field Crops Report, corn conditions were rated at 3% very poor, 7% poor, 22% fair, 56% good, and 12% excellent. Currently, 78% of the corn is mature, which is behind last year’s 89% and equal to the five-year average. The harvesting of corn stands at 15%, which is behind last year’s 23% and near the 19% average.

Soybean conditions rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 58% good, and 9% excellent. The percentage of soybeans dropping leaves was recorded at 94%, which is equal to last year and near the 92% average. The harvesting of soybeans is currently at 51%, ahead of last year’s 40% and the 42% average.

For winter wheat, 70% has been planted, which is behind last year’s 79% and the 78% average. The emergency rate stands at 31%, also behind last year and the average.

Sorghum conditions rated 3% very poor, 15% poor, 24% fair, 58% good, and 0% excellent. Sorghum is currently 91% mature, equal to last year and ahead of the 80% average. Harvested sorghum stands at 33%, near last year’s 29% and the 30% average.

Sunflower conditions reflect 7% very poor, 6% poor, 32% fair, 55% good, and 0% excellent. The harvested percentage for sunflowers is 3%, which is near last year’s 2% and below the 6% average.

The Pasture and Range Report indicates a challenging situation with pasture conditions rated at 26% very poor, 32% poor, 21% fair, 20% good, and 1% excellent. This report highlights the need for careful management strategies to address the current challenges in the field.

Photo Credit:usda