USDA Reports Encouraging Corn, Soybean Development Amid Slowing Cotton Growth

The USDA Crop Progress Report for July 27, 2026 reveals positive developments in major crops across the United States. The report, released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), shows that corn is progressing well, with 78% of the crop reaching the silking stage and 25% at the dough stage.

For corn condition, 3% of the crop was rated very poor, while 51% was rated good. This marks an improvement from the previous week when 2% was rated very poor and 53% good.

Soybeans are also advancing, with 80% of the crop blooming by July 26, 2026. The percentage of soybeans setting pods increased to 47%, up from 32% the previous week. Soybean condition ratings showed 2% very poor and 52% good.

Cotton development has slowed, with 73% reaching the squaring stage, down from 81% the previous week. Cotton condition was rated 3% very poor and 48% good. The sorghum crop is also lagging behind its historical average for this time of year, with only 16% of the crop headed by July 26.