USDA Crop Progress Report: Corn, Soybeans, and Cotton Make Steady Gains

The USDA's Crop Progress Report for September 8, 2026, showed significant developments in major crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. For corn, 18 states covering 91% of planted acreage reported that 96% of the crop had reached the dough stage by September 6, surpassing both the previous week's 92% and the five-year average of 94%. The good-to-excellent category for corn stood at 48%, a slight decline from last year's 68%. In contrast, soybeans in 18 states representing 96% of planted acreage showed 26% dropping leaves, exceeding both the previous week's 13% and the historical average of 20%. Soybean condition was rated at 58% good-to-excellent, down from 64% last year.

Cotton in 15 states covering 99% of planted acreage had 40% of bolls opening, meeting both the previous week's level and the five-year average. Cotton condition was rated 34% good-to-excellent, remaining unchanged from the prior week but below the 54% recorded a year ago.

The report also highlighted sorghum in six states representing all planted acreage, with 94% heading, outpacing both the previous week's 89% and the average of 96%. Sorghum condition was rated at 31% good-to-excellent, down from 36% the prior week.