Jun 06, 2018
2018 U.S. Crops off to a Strong Start
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Even though the spring planting started slow, it is finishing ahead of average. The soil conditions were good, the germination and emergence were quick and that is reflected in very good early crop ratings.
Corn Condition - The rating for the U.S. corn crop decline 1% last week to 78% of the crop rated good to excellent. Eight states indicated that the corn condition had improved last week and 8 states indicated that the corn condition had declined last week. Most of the improvements were found in the western and northern Corn Belt while most of the declines were found in the southern and eastern Corn Belt. The top five rated corn states are: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky. The five lowest rated corn states are: Texas, Kansas, North Carolina, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.
The corn crop is off to a very good start, the best in many years.
Soybean Condition - In the first soybean rating for the 2018 U.S. growing season, the soybean crop was rated 75% good to excellent. The best ratings were found in the central and northern Corn Belt the lowest rating were found in the southern Corn Belt and Delta. The top five rated soybean states are: Minnesota, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Iowa. The five states with the lowest rated soybeans are: Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, and South Dakota.
The soybeans are being planted ahead of the average pace and they also emerged ahead of average. The rating for this year's soybean crop is also starting out rated above average.
Soil Moisture - The nationwide soil moisture improved slightly last week with 10 states indicating that the soil moisture improved last week and 7 states indicating that the soil moisture declined last week. Most of the improvements were found in the central and western Corn Belt while most of the declines were found in the southern Corn Belt and Delta. The five states with the best soil moisture are: North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky. The five states with the driest soil moisture are: Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and North Dakota.
The soil moisture nationwide is starting off just slightly below average. The areas to watch for potential developing dryness going forward are the southern and the southwestern Corn Belt and the Delta.