Heat Wave Hits Corn and Soybean Crops Hard

The latest crop progress report from the USDA shows a decline in corn and soybean quality ratings due to heat waves in the central US. The report, covering the week through July 26, reveals that 63% of the corn crop is now in good-to-excellent condition, down four points from last week.

Corn quality ratings have taken a hit, with only 12% of the crop rated poor or very poor, up three points from last week. Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Wisconsin lead the top 18 production states in terms of corn quality.

Soybean quality ratings also dropped, landing at 63% good-to-excellent condition through July 26, down three points from last week. Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have the highest rated soybean crops among the top 18 production states so far.