Thursday, July 31, 2025

June Ag Prices Received Index Down 1.2 Percent, Prices Paid Up 0.3 Percent

June Prices Received Index Down 1.2 Percent  

The June Prices Received Index 2011 Base (Agricultural Production), at 138.5, decreased 1.2 percent from May but increased 9.2 percent from June 2024. The Livestock Production Index, at 170.2, decreased 0.2 percent from May, but increased 16 percent from June last year. At 103.6, the Crop Production Index was up 0.3 percent from last month but down 3.5 percent from the previous year. Producers received lower prices during June for market eggs, corn, strawberries, and cantaloupes but higher prices for cattle, hogs, lettuce, and oranges. In addition to prices, the volume change of commodities marketed also influences the indexes. In June, there was decreased monthly movement for strawberries, market eggs, cattle, and oranges and increased marketing of grapes, wheat, hay, and peaches.  

June Prices Paid Index Up 0.3 Percent  

The June Prices Paid Index for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW), at 149.9, is up 0.3 percent from May 2025 and 7.1 percent from June 2024. Higher prices in June for feeder cattle, other services,  feeder pigs, and potash & phosphate more than offset lower prices for hay & forages, feed grains, complete feeds, and concentrates.  






This Week's Drought Summary (7/31)

This U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) week saw continued improvement in drought-related conditions across areas of the Midwest (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota), central and northern Plains (Kansas, Nebraska, Dakotas, eastern Montana), South (Texas), and in the Desert Southwest (New Mexico). During the past week, the most significant rainfall accumulations were observed across areas of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota, where they ranged from 3 to 7+ inches. Elsewhere, short-term precipitation shortfalls (past 30 to 60 days) led to continued expansion of Abnormally Dry (D0) areas across the Southeast states including the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama as well as the introduction of isolated areas of Moderate Drought (D1) in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina where agriculture-related drought impacts are being reported. In the South, drought conditions continued to improve in western portions of Texas as well as in areas of eastern New Mexico where monsoonal storms have provided some minor relief to areas experiencing long-term drought. In the West, conditions continued to deteriorate across the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho) and areas of the Intermountain West (Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado), while areas of eastern Montana saw improvement in drought in response to precipitation events during the past few weeks. In terms of reservoir storage in the West, California’s major reservoirs continue to be at or above historical averages for the date (July 29), with the state’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, at 105% and 116% of average, respectively. In the Southwest, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is reporting (July 27) Lake Powell at 32% full (46% of average), Lake Mead at 31% full (51%), and the total Colorado system at 39% of capacity (compared to 44% of capacity the same time last year).



Northeast

On this week’s map, some minor changes were made on the map, including expansion of areas Abnormally Dry (D0) in northern, western, and southeastern New York and in northeastern Massachusetts in response to short-term (past 60 days) precipitation shortfalls and declining groundwater and soil moisture levels. For the week, generally light precipitation accumulations (<1 inch) were observed across areas of the region. Average temperatures were above normal across most of the region, especially in the southern portions, where temperatures were 2 to 8 degrees F above normal. The largest departures were observed in West Virginia and New York.

Southeast

During the past week, light-to-moderate rainfall accumulations were observed across the southern extent of the region with the heaviest accumulations (ranging from 2 to 4 inches) occurring in isolated areas of Georgia and Florida. However, pockets of short-term dryness (2 to 6 inches of rainfall deficits during the past 30-day period) led to the introduction and further expansion of Abnormally Dry (D0) areas in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama as well as areas of Moderate Drought (D1) in southwestern portions of Alabama and Georgia. In these areas, streamflow and soil moisture levels are declining and the National Drought Mitigation Center’s Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) system has received some drought-related impact reports in the agricultural sector during the past 30-day period. In terms of average temperatures for the week, the region experienced above-normal temperatures, with the greatest anomalies (4 to 6 degrees F) observed across areas of northern Virginia, the Carolinas, northeastern Georgia, and northern and central Florida.

South

On this week’s map, improvements were made in areas of South Texas and the Trans Pecos region of Texas in response to above-normal precipitation during the past 30-120 days. In these regions, improvements were made in numerous drought categories (D1-D3). In other areas of the region, degradations occurred in southwestern Oklahoma, northern Mississippi, and central Tennessee, where rainfall has been below normal during the past 30 to 60 day period. For the week, average temperatures were above normal in the eastern and northern areas of the region, with anomalies ranging from 2 to 8 degrees F. Conversely, the western extent of the region, including areas in the southern half of Texas, experienced temperatures ranging from 1 to 4 degrees F below normal.

Midwest

Another week with scattered shower activity across drought-affected areas of the region led to continued improvements on the map from Minnesota to Ohio. For the week, rainfall accumulations ranged from 1 to 5 inches, with the heaviest amounts observed in isolated areas of northern Missouri, eastern Iowa, southern Minnesota, central Illinois, and northern Indiana. On the map, improvements were made in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Despite recent rainfall events and overall improving conditions across areas of the region, negative soil moisture anomalies are continuing to show up in northern Illinois, northeastern Indiana, and southern Michigan on several soil moisture monitoring data products. For the week, average temperatures were above normal (2 to 10 degrees F) across the region.

High Plains

On this week’s map, improvements continued from Kansas to North Dakota after another week of scattered shower activity with light-to-moderate accumulations. During the past 30 days, drought-related conditions have improved significantly in northern Kansas, eastern Nebraska, southeastern and southwestern South Dakota, and southwestern North Dakota as evidenced in a variety of drought monitoring products including streamflows, soil moisture, and vegetation health indicators. However, conditions have degraded in other parts of the region, including central South Dakota and northern North Dakota. For the week, average temperatures were generally above-normal average (1 to 6 degrees F) across the region, with eastern portions experiencing the largest departure, while far western portions of the Dakotas observed temperatures 1 to 4 degrees F below normal.



West

Out West, generally dry conditions prevailed over much of the region except for some isolated shower activity in northeastern California, northwestern Nevada, eastern New Mexico, eastern Colorado, and Montana. On the map, degradations were made across areas of the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho) and Intermountain West (Utah, Wyoming, Colorado). In the Pacific Northwest, streamflow activity continues to be well below normal levels across the Cascade Range of Oregon and Washington as well as in the mountain ranges of northern Idaho and western Montana. Similarly, poor surface water conditions were present in many streams and rivers of western Wyoming, Utah, western Colorado, central Arizona, and northern New Mexico. For the week, average temperatures were below normal across most of the region, with anomalies ranging from 2 to 10+ degrees F and the greatest departures observed across California and Nevada.



Caribbean

In Puerto Rico, areas of Abnormally Dry (D0) were reduced in the north-central, northeastern, and southwestern portions of the island.

Dry conditions persisted this week over the U.S. Virgin Islands this week, but islands remained in short-term abnormal dryness. On St. John, Rafe Boulon/Windswept Beach reported 0.32 inch of rain this week. The depth to water level at Susannaberg DPW 3 well (St. John, USVI) on July 29 was 12.58 ft below land surface. The analysis showed a steady decrease in water level since May 18, when the water level was 8.34 ft, but a significantly drop from the November 19, 2025 level at 0.32 ft. The current water level has dropped approximately 3.8 ft lower over the past year, where the reported water level was 8.76 ft below the land surface on July 30, 2024. This week’s SPI values, the 1- and 3-month values indicated drier conditions, consistent with the depiction of abnormal dryness on the island, while longer timescales (6-, 9- & 12-month) showed wetter signal. No precipitation was reported on St. Croix (Henry Rohlsen AP) this week. The depth to water level at Adventure 28 Well (St. Croix, USVI) on July 29 was 16.90 ft below land surface. The analysis showed a steady decrease in water level (over 3 ft) since 13.93 on May 25, 2025, but a significant increase (nearly 8 ft) over the past year, where the water depth was 24.74 ft below land surface on July 30, 2024. This week’s 1- and 3-month SPI values confirmed dryness on the island, while wetter conditions were shown in longer timescales. On St. Thomas, Cyril E. King Airport reported a rainfall total of 0.03 inches this week. The depth to water level at Grade School 3 well (St. Thomas, USVI) on July 29 was 8.94 ft below land surface. This is down by nearly 9 ft from the 0.04 value on November 17, 2024, but about 1.9 ft below the water level value from last year (7.08 ft on July 30, 2024). This week’s SPI values showed conditions were wetter at longer timescales, while the 1- and 3-month SPI value confirmed short-term abnormal dryness affected the island.

Pacific

In Alaska, several areas of Abnormally Dry (D0) saw reductions on the map in response to rainfall during the past week.

For the Hawaiian Islands, no changes were made on the map this week.

Conditions were wet over American Samoa this week. Pago Pago reported a weekly rainfall total of 14.43 inches, while Toa Ridge and Siufaga Ridge reported 7.30 and 10.13 inches of rain this week, respectively. As of July 29, the month was Pago Pago's wettest July on record, with a month-to-date rainfall total of 24.31 inches—breaking the previous record of 19.59 inches set in 1962. American Samoa remained free of drought and abnormal dryness.

Palau remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week. The Koror COOP site reported a weekly rainfall total of 1.55 inches (with two days missing), and a month-to-date total of over 15 inches for July (with four days missing).

Wet conditions persisted over the Mariana Islands this week. Saipan, Rota, and Guam received weekly rainfall totals of 6.26, 4.78, and 3.58 inches, respectively. Tinian reported a weekly total of 1.09 inches (with three days missing), which still exceeded the island’s one-inch minimum threshold to meet water needs. The Marianas remained free of drought and abnormal dryness this week.

Conditions were mixed across the Federated States of Micronesia this week. Kosrae and Pohnpei reported weekly rainfall amounts of 3.90 inches and 2.19 inches, respectively, and both locations remained free of drought and abnormal dryness this week. Several locations, including Chuuk (1.79 inches), Nukuoro (1.43 inches), Kapingamarangi (0.95 inches), Yap (0.56 inches), and Woleai (0.30 inches), reported rainfall totals below the 2-inch minimum threshold for water needs. However, these locations remained free of drought and abnormal dryness this week due to previously wet conditions. Short-term abnormal dryness (D0-S) was removed from Pingelap this week, following a month-to-date rainfall total of 15.98 inches – nearly double the monthly minimum threshold of eight inches. Short-term abnormal dryness (D0-S) was removed from Pingelap this week. Data for Lukunoch, Fananu and Ulithi were insufficient to make any assessments this week.

Dry conditions continued across most of the Republic of the Marshall Islands this week. The rain measured at Kwajalein (1.71 inches), Jaluit (1.00 inches), and Ailinglapalap (0.55 inches) and Wotje (0.12 inches) were below the 2-inch minimum for water needs this week. Based on recent precipitation, and rainfall totals from previous weeks and months, Ailinglapalap and Kwajalein remained in short-term moderate drought (D1-S), while Jaluit and Wotje remained in short-term severe drought (D2-S) this week. Conversely, conditions were wet over Mili and Utirik, reporting weekly rainfall totals of 4.21 and 3.18 inches, respectively. Mili remained free of drought and abnormal dryness, while Utirik was improved to short-term moderate drought (D1-S) this week.

Looking Ahead

The NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) calls for generally dry conditions across much of the western U.S. except for some light shower activity (accumulations generally <1 inch) across areas of the Rockies (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado) and mountain ranges of New Mexico. East of the Rockies, light-to-moderate accumulations (ranging from 1 to 4 inches) are expected across areas of the Plains states with the heaviest accumulations expected in western Oklahoma. In the lower Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South (Gulf Coast areas), and portions of the Southeast, 1 to 5+ inch accumulations are forecast, with the heaviest accumulation expected along the coastal plains of Carolina and Georgia. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) 6-10-day outlooks call for a moderate-to-high probability of above-normal temperatures across the Desert Southwest, southeastern portions of the Intermountain West, Plains, Midwest, New England, South, and southern portions of the Southeast region. In contrast, below-normal temperatures are forecast for areas of the West, including southern California, the Great Basin, and Pacific Northwest. In terms of precipitation, there is a low-to-moderate probability of above-normal precipitation across the Pacific Northwest, northern portions of the Intermountain West, northern Plains Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. Elsewhere, below-normal precipitation is expected across the southern half of the western U.S., southern Plains, and Texas.



Monday, July 28, 2025

USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report - Corn Rated 73% Good to Excellent, Soybeans 70% Good to Excellent as of July 27

OMAHA (DTN) -- The U.S. corn crop's good-to-excellent condition rating fell slightly last week while soybeans' good-to-excellent rating increased by 2 points, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

A slow-moving front will being widespread showers and thunderstorms across the country this week, with potential hurricane-force winds Monday evening from South Dakota into northern Iowa that could be labeled as a derecho and damage crops, followed by cooler temperatures, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick.

CORN

-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 76%, 1 percentage point ahead of last year's 75% and 1 percentage point below the five-year average of 77%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 26%, 2 points behind last year's 28% but 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 24%.

-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 73% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, 1 point below the previous week's 74% and 5 points ahead of last year's 68%. Seven percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, up 1 point from the previous week and still below 9% last year. "Pennsylvania and Iowa are the garden spots at 89% and 87% good to excellent, respectively," noted DTN Senior Analyst Dana Mantini.

SOYBEANS

-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming were pegged at 76%, 1 point ahead last year's 75% and equal to the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 41%, 1 point behind both last year and the five-year average of 42%.

-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 70% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, up 2 percentage points from 68% the previous week and ahead 3 percentage points to last year's 67%. Six percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, down 1 percentage point from 7% the previous week and 2 percentage points below last year's 8%. "Iowa is highly rated at 82% good to excellent while Louisiana leads the pack at 89%," Mantini said.

WINTER WHEAT

-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead another 7 percentage points last week to reach 80% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 1 point behind both last year and the five-year average pace of 81%. Kansas' winter wheat is 99% harvested, and Illinois is 99% finished. Harvest in Montana was 15% complete, with Idaho and Washington 19% and 35% complete, respectively.

SPRING WHEAT

-- Crop development: 92% of spring wheat was headed, 1 point behind to last year's pace of 93% and just 3 points behind the five-year average of 95%.

-- Harvest progress: In its first spring wheat harvest report of the season, NASS estimated that just 1% of the crop was harvested as of Sunday, equal to last year's pace and 2 points behind the five-year average of 3%. Most of the harvesting took place in South Dakota and Washington.

-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 49% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 3 percentage points from 52% the previous week and 25 points below last year's 74% good-to-excellent rating. North Dakota was rated 64% good to excellent and South Dakota 56% good to excellent. Montana's spring wheat was rated just 6% good to excellent. "Minnesota is the bright spot with 90% of the crop rated good to excellent," Mantini said.

THE WEEK AHEAD IN WEATHER

A slow-moving front will being widespread showers and thunderstorms across the country this week, potentially including severe storms with damaging winds from South Dakota into northern Iowa Monday evening, followed by cooler temperatures, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick.

"Hot and humid conditions over the last week would normally be damaging to crop development during this time of year, but good soil moisture and continued rainfall have softened the potential damage," Baranick said. "It remains hot to start this week as well, with fewer showers and thunderstorms breaking the heat.

"However, a front will be moving through the entire country this week. It may take until the weekend to get down all the way to the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America), but it will be bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms. Some of those showers will produce heavy rain, and a special severe threat is forecast on Monday evening from South Dakota into northern Iowa. Widespread severe winds are the main threat, which could be labeled as a derecho should the criteria of severe winds for at least 240 miles with several hurricane-force wind gusts of more than 74 mph are embedded in there. Whether or not it meets criteria, significant crop damage may occur at a most inopportune time when the crop is looking rather good in this area. Severe storms could be possible as the front continues southward, but not to the same degree as the threat on Monday. A significant drop in temperature and humidity will follow behind the front through the weekend, easing any stress from the areas that miss out on this week's rainfall.

"Another system will move into the Northern Plains on Friday or Saturday, producing more scattered showers and thunderstorms that will likely move through the Corn Belt next week."


National Crop Progress Summary
This Last Last 5-Year
Week Week Year Avg.
Corn Silking 76 56 75 77
Corn Dough 26 14 28 24
Soybeans Blooming 76 62 75 76
Soybeans Setting Pods 41 26 42 42
Winter Wheat Harvested 80 73 81 81
Spring Wheat Headed 92 87 93 95
Spring Wheat Harvested 1 NA 1 3
Cotton Squaring 80 71 86 83
Cotton Setting Bolls 44 33 52 46
Sorghum Headed 39 28 45 43
Sorghum Coloring 21 17 22 21
Oats Harvested 29 20 33 32
Barley Headed 80 76 88 94
Barley Harvested 1 NA 2 3
Rice Headed 63 46 69 53
Peanuts Pegging 87 80 85 85

**

National Crop Condition Summary
(VP=Very Poor; P=Poor; F=Fair; G=Good; E=Excellent)
This Week Last Week Last Year
VP P F G E VP P F G E VP P F G E
Corn 2 5 20 53 20 1 5 20 56 18 3 6 23 52 16
Soybeans 1 5 25 54 13 2 5 25 54 14 2 6 25 54 13
Spring Wheat 4 14 33 44 5 3 13 32 47 5 NA 4 22 63 11
Rice NA 3 20 57 20 1 2 18 58 21 1 2 14 65 18
Oats 7 10 25 48 10 8 10 24 49 9 6 5 23 54 12
Barley 1 14 43 39 3 2 14 39 42 3 NA 5 26 62 7
Cotton 7 7 31 44 11 6 7 30 48 9 9 13 29 40 9
Peanuts 1 4 27 57 11 NA 4 27 59 10 1 5 26 59 9
Sorghum 3 5 26 49 17 1 4 27 53 15 4 9 32 45 10




Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region - Storage Reservoirs in the Upper Snake River (7/28)



Average daily streamflows indicated in cubic feet per second.
Reservoir levels current as of midnight on date indicated.

Upper Snake River system is at 54 % of capacity.
(Jackson Lake,Palisades, Grassy Lake,Island Park,Ririe,American Falls,LakeWalcott)
  
Total space available:1841136 AF
Total storage capacity:4045695 AF




Thursday, July 24, 2025

This Week's Drought Summary

This U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) week saw improvement in drought-related conditions across areas of the Southeast, South, Midwest, central and northern Plains, Intermountain West, and Desert Southwest, where short-term precipitation accumulations (past 30-day period) have helped to improve drought-related conditions. For the week, the most significant rainfall accumulations were observed across northern Kansas and areas of the Midwest including Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana where accumulations ranged from 3 to 10+ inches, with the highest accumulations observed in northeastern Kansas. On the map, improving conditions over the past 30 to 60 days led to reduction in areas of drought in the Plains states, Kansas to North Dakota, as well as across drought-affected areas across the Midwest. Elsewhere, short-term dryness led to widespread expansion of areas of Abnormally Dry (D0) across the Southeast states including the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. In the South, drought conditions continued to improve in Texas, including in the Trans-Pecos region in western Texas where short and mid-term composite drought indicators are showing improving conditions in terms of precipitation, soil moisture, and vegetation health. In the West, conditions were generally dry regionally, however, some isolated monsoon thunderstorms provided a much-needed boost in moisture (2 to 3 inch accumulations during the past week) to drought-affected areas of east-central and southeastern Arizona as well as lesser accumulations observed in central and northern Arizona. In terms of reservoir storage in the West, California’s reservoirs continue to be at or above historical averages for the date (July 22), with the state’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, at 105% and 117% of average, respectively. In the Southwest, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is reporting (July 21) Lake Powell at 31% full (47% of average for the date), Lake Mead at 31% full (52%), and the total Colorado system (July 20) at 39% of capacity (compared to 45% of capacity the same time last year).



Northeast

On this week’s map, no changes were made on the map other than the introduction of a small area of Abnormally Dry (D0) in central New York and some reduction of areas of D0 in Maryland and Pennsylvania. For the week, generally light precipitation accumulations (<1 inch) were observed across most of New England, while areas of West Virginia, southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and northern Maine saw higher accumulations ranging from 2 to 3 inches. Average temperatures were near normal to above normal across most of the region, especially in the southern extent, where temperatures were 3 to 5 degrees F above normal. Conversely, areas of the region bordering Canada and the Great Lakes observed below-normal temperatures ranging from 1 to 5 degrees F below normal.

Southeast

During the past week, light-to-moderate rainfall accumulations were observed across the northern extent of the region in Virginia, North Carolina, and isolated areas of Florida, with the heaviest accumulations (ranging from 3 to 4 inches) occurring in western portions of Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, and north-central Florida. In north-central Florida, this week’s rainfall led to removal of areas of Moderate (D1) and Abnormally Dry (D0) on the map. Conversely, short-term dryness (1 to 6 inches of rainfall deficits during the past 30-day period) led to the expansion of Abnormally Dry (D0) areas in the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida as well as introduction of Moderate Drought (D1) areas in southwestern Alabama, where 30-day rainfall departures ranged from 2 to 5 inches. In terms of average temperatures for the week, the entire region experienced above-normal temperatures, with the greatest anomalies (4 to 6 degrees F) observed across areas of Virginia, the Carolinas, northeastern Georgia, and north-central Florida.

South

On this week’s map, improvements were made in the Hill Country and Trans-Pecos regions of Texas in response to improving conditions during the past 30-90 days. In these regions, targeted improvements were made in all drought categories (D1-D4). In Tennessee, a mix of degradations and improvements were made on the map in isolated areas of central and eastern Tennessee. For the week, average temperatures were generally above normal in eastern areas of the region, with anomalies ranging from 2 to 8 degrees F. Conversely, the western extent of the region, including much of Texas and Oklahoma, experienced temperatures ranging from 1 to 5 degrees F below normal. Texas reservoirs are reported to be 80% full, with many in the eastern part of the state in good condition (over 90% full), while numerous others in the western portion of the state continue to experience below-normal levels, according to Water Data for Texas (July 23). In terms of streamflow activity (July 23), the U.S. Geological Survey is reporting well above normal streamflows (>90th percentile) across areas of central and eastern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, and north-central Tennessee, while areas of the Texas Gulf Coast and South Texas Plains, northern Louisiana, and southern Mississippi are experiencing below normal levels (1st to 24th percentile range).

Midwest

Widespread improvements were made across the region in response to beneficial rainfall observed this week as well as during the past 30-day period. Storms during the past week delivered accumulations ranging from 1 to 6 inches, with the heaviest amounts observed in isolated areas of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. On the map, improvements were made in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. For the week, average temperatures were below normal (2 to 12 degrees F) across the northern tier of the region, while the southern extent saw positive anomalies ranging from 1 to 6 degrees F above normal.

High Plains

On this week’s map, improvements were made in the region, namely in central northern Kansas, southeastern Nebraska, and South Dakota, where shorter-term precipitation (past 30-60 days) was normal to above normal. Additionally, these areas were showing improvements in other drought indicators including soil moisture, streamflow activity, and crop-related vegetation health indices. Conversely, conditions degraded on the map in areas of central South Dakota as well as in northern North Dakota, where dry conditions have prevailed during the past 30 to 60 days. For the week, light-to-heavy rainfall accumulations (ranging from 1 to 10 inches) were observed, with the heaviest amounts impacting northern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska. Below-normal average temperatures (ranging from 1 to 8 degrees F) were logged across most of the entire region.



West

Out West, generally dry conditions prevailed over much of the region with the exception of isolated areas of the Four Corners states, which observed monsoon-related thunderstorm activity with accumulations ranging from 1 to 4 inches. The storms led to targeted improvements on the map in Arizona. Likewise, isolated areas of the Pacific Northwest and eastern Plains of Montana and Wyoming observed isolated shower activity with accumulations generally of < 2 inches. On the map, persistent dry conditions led to expansion of areas of drought in southeastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and in eastern and southwestern Montana. For the week, average temperatures were mainly below normal with anomalies ranging from 2 to 10 degrees F and the greatest departures logged were observed in eastern Montana.



Caribbean

Puerto Rico, a mix of minor improvements and degradations were made on the map this week.

As the U.S. Virgin Islands await the arrival of the primary rainy season in late summer, short-term abnormal dryness (D0-S) has developed throughout the territory. Showers have been mostly light and scattered in recent weeks, leading to variable stress on crops and native vegetation. Additionally, depth to water at three U.S. Geological Survey wells has generally increased in recent weeks and by July 22 stood at greater than 16.5 feet at the Adventure 28 well on St. Croix and greater than 12.0 feet at the Susannaberg DPW 3 well on St. John. One-month Standardized Precipitation Index values are supportive of D0-S, especially on the northern islands of St. Thomas and St. John. During the drought-monitoring period ending July 22, rainfall totaled less than an inch at all volunteer (CoCoRaHS) and first-order (airport) observation sites, except a couple of locations on St. Croix.

Pacific

In Alaska, improving conditions led to the removal of the three areas of Moderate Drought (D1) as well as reductions in areas of Abnormally Dry (D0).

In the Hawaiian Islands, rainfall during the past week led to improvements on the map in Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Rainfall was mainly concentrated in the higher elevations on the windward slopes with the highest weekly total logged in Kauai (17 inches at the Mount Waialeale station).

A very active pattern has developed across the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands in recent weeks, with a potential tropical cyclone (Invest 98W) approaching the Marianas from the southeast at the end of the drought-monitoring period. In advance of Invest 98W’s approach, another week of significant rain in the Marianas eliminated lingering abnormal dryness (D0-S) across Saipan and Tinian. Meanwhile, the Federated States of Micronesia became free of drought, as D1-L was changed to D0-L for Pingelap; more than 5 inches of rain fell across Pingelap from July 19-21. The Republic of Palau and American Samoa are also drought-free. Elsewhere, recent rainfall has chipped away at drought across the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with extreme drought improving to severe drought (D3-S to D2-S) for Utirik and Wotje, and severe drought improving to moderate drought (D2-S to D1-S) for Kwajalein and Ailinglapalap. Severe drought (D2-S) persisted for Jaluit, where month-to-date rainfall through July 20 stood at 6.40 inches, slightly below average. In contrast, July 1-20 rainfall totaled 8.97 inches on Ailinglapalap.

Looking Ahead

The NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) calls for relatively dry conditions across the western U.S., areas of the South, and southern Plains. Elsewhere, light-to-moderate accumulations are expected across areas of the central and northern Plains, Northeast, and the Gulf Coast region of the South and Southeast. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) 6-10-day outlooks call for a moderate-to-high probability of above-normal temperatures across most of the conterminous U.S. with the exception of portions of California and Maine where below-normal temperatures are forecasted. In terms of precipitation, there is a low-to-moderate probability of above-normal precipitation across the Pacific Northwest, northern portions of the Intermountain West, central and northern Plains, Gulf Coast region, and much of the Eastern Seaboard.





Monday, July 21, 2025

USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report - Corn Rated 74% Good to Excellent, Soybeans 68% Good to Excellent as of July 20

OMAHA (DTN) -- The U.S. corn crop's good-to-excellent condition rating held steady again last week while soybeans' good-to-excellent rating fell slightly, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

A high-pressure ridge will bring very hot weather across much of the country this week, but good existing soil moisture and incoming rainfall from a slow-moving front should help most crop areas cope with the heat, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick.

CORN

-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 56%, 2 percentage points behind both last year and the five-year average of 58%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 14%, 2 points behind last year's 16% but 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 12%.

-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 74% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged again from the previous week and 7 points ahead of last year's 67%. Six percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, up 1 point from the previous week but still below 10% last year. The good-to-excellent rating for corn in Iowa was 86%, Illinois was 70% and Indiana was 60%.

SOYBEANS

-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming were pegged at 62%, 1 point behind both last year and the five-year average of 63%. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 26%, 1 point behind last year's 27% but equal to the five-year average.

-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 68% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, down 2 percentage points from 70% the previous week and equal to last year. Seven percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, up 2 percentage points from 5% the previous week but 1 percentage point below last year's 8%. Iowa soybean conditions improved to 80% good to excellent, while soybean conditions in Illinois were steady at 60% good to excellent.

WINTER WHEAT

-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead another 10 percentage points last to reach 73% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 2 points behind last year's 75% but 1 point ahead of the five-year average pace of 72%. Kansas' winter wheat is 97% harvested, and Illinois is 98% finished. Harvest in Montana was 2% complete, with Idaho and Washington 12% and 18% complete, respectively.

SPRING WHEAT

-- Crop development: 87% of spring wheat was headed, equal to last year's pace and just 1 point behind the five-year average of 88%.

-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 52% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 2 percentage points from 54% the previous week and 25 points below last year's 77% good-to-excellent rating. Minnesota's crop was rated 87% good to excellent, North Dakota 67% good to excellent and South Dakota 70% good to excellent. Montana's spring wheat was rated just 7% good to excellent.

Scouts on the Wheat Quality Council's 2025 Spring Wheat and Durum Tour, which takes place Tuesday through Thursday this week, will get a first-hand look at the condition of this year's spring wheat crop. 

THE WEEK AHEAD IN WEATHER

A high-pressure ridge will bring very hot weather across much of the country this week, according to DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick. Good existing soil moisture and incoming rainfall from a slow-moving front should help most crop areas cope with the heat, though the southwestern Corn Belt may face more stress due to isolated rather than widespread precipitation, he said.

"Rainfall over the weekend hit some of the drier areas of the Corn Belt in northern Illinois and Indiana, and we'll have to see if that had some lasting effects," Baranick said. "But really good weather continued for another week last week. This week. we'll see some changes to the weather situation, but overall, we're still looking awfully good for most areas.

"An upper-level ridge of high pressure started to develop in the Southeast over the weekend and that will be pulsing up and down across the eastern half of the country this week, pushing into the Midwest for several days, then shifting all back to the Plains this weekend. Underneath that ridge, temperatures will be very hot, with daytime highs in the 90s for large areas of the country and some triple-digit heat being possible on a few occasions as well. If not for the overall good soil moisture in much of the country, this would be very concerning coming in late July.

"But soil moisture continues to be good, and more rain is coming. A slow-moving front will bring multiple rounds of showers, thunderstorms and possible heavy rain throughout the week, but it'll take some time to get to the Eastern Corn Belt. Still, when it does, it looks like a couple of days of rainfall chances that could help to reduce the stress from the heat. The Northern Plains look to be the winner this week with milder temperatures and almost daily rainfall chances. That should help not only corn and soybeans but also heading to flowering wheat.

"The southwestern Corn Belt, and Kansas in particular, is still forecast to see some rainfall, but showers should be more isolated and amounts focused on localized lucky areas rather than being widespread. With the heat in the area all week, that could quickly reduce soil moisture and start to stress crops.

"Another area of concern could be with some heavy rainfall and flooding near the Gulf Coast with a potential tropical system moving across the northern Gulf. A system moved through the same areas last week and never was named. We could see sort of a repeat of that later this week, too."


National Crop Progress Summary
This Last Last 5-Year
Week Week Year Avg.
Corn Silking 56 34 58 58
Corn Dough 14 7 16 12
Soybeans Blooming 62 47 63 63
Soybeans Setting Pods 26 15 27 26
Winter Wheat Harvested 73 63 75 72
Spring Wheat Headed 87 78 87 88
Cotton Squaring 71 61 79 75
Cotton Setting Bolls 33 23 40 33
Sorghum Headed 28 24 33 34
Sorghum Coloring 17 14 19 19
Oats Headed 96 92 94 95
Oats Harvested 20 12 21 20
Barley Headed 76 68 83 87
Rice Headed 46 33 56 40
Peanuts Pegging 80 70 79 77

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National Crop Condition Summary
(VP=Very Poor; P=Poor; F=Fair; G=Good; E=Excellent)
This Week Last Week Last Year
VP P F G E VP P F G E VP P F G E
Corn 1 5 20 56 18 1 4 21 57 17 3 7 23 51 16
Soybeans 2 5 25 54 14 1 4 25 58 12 2 6 24 56 12
Spring Wheat 3 13 32 47 5 1 12 33 49 5 1 4 18 65 12
Rice 1 2 18 58 21 1 2 20 58 17 1 3 13 62 21
Oats 8 10 24 49 9 7 9 25 51 8 6 5 23 55 11
Barley 2 14 39 42 3 1 13 42 41 3 - 3 23 68 6
Cotton 6 7 30 48 9 7 10 29 45 9 7 11 29 42 11
Peanuts - 4 27 59 10 NA 5 25 59 11 1 5 31 56 7
Sorghum 1 4 27 53 15 1 3 27 53 16 4 7 29 48 12