USDA’s latest crop progress report, out Monday morning and covering the week through Aug. 23, contained an ending of sorts as the agency is no longer recording updates to the winter wheat harvest, which is now virtually complete.
Also of note, USDA docked corn quality ratings 3 points, which was noticeably below the average analyst estimate. Soybean ratings also declined slightly this past week.
Corn quality ratings shifted another 3 points lower, with 57% of the crop now in good-to-excellent condition. Analysts were expecting to see that number hit 59% or 60%, in contrast. Roughly 26% of the crop is rated fair (up 1 point from last week), with the remaining 17% rated poor or very poor (up 2 points from last week).
Physiologically, 86% of the crop has reached dough stage, up from 76% in the previous week and ahead of the last five-year average of 82%. Nearly half (45%) of the crop is now dented, up from 29% last week and ahead of the previous five-year average of 41%. And 6% of the crop is now fully mature, mirroring the prior five-year average.
Soybean ratings
Soybean quality ratings eased a point lower this past week, with 60% of the crop now in good-to-excellent condition. Analysts were expecting ratings to hold steady, although individual trade guesses were rangebound after coming in between 60% and 62%. About 28% of the crop is rated fair (down 1 point from last week), with the remaining 12% rated poor or very poor (up 2 points from last week).
Physiologically, 91% of the crop is now setting pods, up from 85% a week ago and favorable to both 2025’s pace and the prior five-year average, both at 88%. And 6% of the crop is now dropping leaves, putting this year’s pace 2 points ahead of the previous five-year average so far.
Wheat in review
Spring wheat quality ratings faced a point lower, with 51% of the crop now in good-to-excellent condition. About 35% of the crop is rated fair (down 1 point from last week), with the remaining 14% rated poor or very poor (up 2 points from last week). Harvest has now crossed the halfway mark, at 62% completion through Sunday, so USDA will no longer provide quality ratings for the rest of this season.
Click here for additional data points from the latest USDA crop progress report, including a state-by-state look at topsoil and subsoil moisture, days suitable for fieldwork, and more.