For the week ending September 15, 2024, farmers experienced 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 24% very short, 44% short, 31% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were similarly tight, rated 21% very short, 46% short, 32% adequate, and 1% surplus.
In the field crops report, winter wheat planting was at 9%, close to last year’s 7% and the five-year average.
Corn conditions were rated 14% very poor, 18% poor, 30% fair, 29% good, and 9% excellent. Corn dented reached 94%, matching last year’s rate and near the 90% five-year average. Corn maturity reached 72%, slightly ahead of both last year’s 70% and the five-year average of 55%. Corn harvest was progressing at 26%, slightly ahead of last year’s 24% and significantly ahead of the 17% average.
Soybean conditions showed mixed results, rated 6% very poor, 13% poor, 30% fair, 44% good, and 7% excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 97%, near last year’s 96% and the 94% average. Leaves dropping were at 37%, behind last year’s 48%, but ahead of the 32% fiveyear average.
Sorghum conditions were rated 10% very poor, 15% poor, 37% fair, 33% good, and 5% excellent. Sorghum coloring reached 80%, close to last year’s 77% and the five-year average. Sorghum maturity was at 35%, slightly ahead of last year’s 31%, and well ahead of the 21% average. Sorghum harvest was at 5%, near last year’s 6% and ahead of the 3% average.
Cotton conditions were rated 8% very poor, 21% poor, 31% fair, 35% good, and 5% excellent. Cotton balls opening reached 53%, significantly behind last year’s 74%, but ahead of the 42% five-year average.
The pasture and range report showed that conditions were rated 11% very poor, 21% poor, 36% fair, 28% good, and 4% excellent, reflecting ongoing moisture challenges for livestock producers.
This USDA report highlights the steady progress of harvest activities amidst fluctuating moisture levels and varying crop conditions.
