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USDA: U.S. corn, soybean ratings both down 1%

The USDA’s condition ratings for corn and soybeans dipped slightly last week. After a too wet start to the planting season, development conditions have turned too dry in some key U.S. growing areas.

As of Sunday, 95% of U.S. corn is silking, compared to the five-year average of 99%, with 55% at the dough making stage, compared to 76% on average, and 15% has dented, half of the typical pace. 56% of the crop is rated good to excellent, down 1% on the week and 12% below a year ago.

90% of soybeans are blooming, compared to 96% usually in mid-July, with 68% of the crop setting pods, compared to 85% on average. 53% of beans are in good to excellent shape, 1% less than a week ago and 12% lower than a year ago.

93% of winter wheat is harvested, compared to 98% normally, while just 16% of spring wheat is harvested, compared to 49% on average. 70% of spring wheat is in good to excellent shape, up 1% from last week.

85% of cotton is setting bolls, matching the five-year average, while 24% of those bolls are opening, compared to the usual pace of 13%. 49% of cotton is called good to excellent, a week to week drop of 7%.

88% of rice has headed, compared to 93% usually this time of year, and 10% is harvested, compared to 13% on average. 68% of rice is in good to excellent condition, down 2% from last week.

54% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are called good to excellent, steady with a week ago.