Midwest Crop Conditions Highly Variable This Year
The Midwest is experiencing variable crop conditions this year, with some areas dealing with excessive rainfall and others facing drought. The region's corn and soybean yields are under scrutiny as a result.
In Minnesota and other Upper Midwestern states, rainfall amounts have been highly variable in July, ranging from 10-15 inches to less than one inch. This has caused both crop damage and timely growth in different areas.
The University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center recorded 6.8 inches of rainfall in July, which was 1.8 inches above normal. As of July 31, the center had received 14.71 inches of precipitation since May 1, near normal for the growing season.
The USDA Crop Report listed 63% of the U.S. corn crop as 'good-to-excellent' and 9% as 'poor-to-very poor', down from 73% and 7% a year ago respectively. Soybean ratings were also lower, at 63%, with 12 states receiving below-average ratings.