Corn and soybeans thrive despite weather woes

Jul 16, 2024

Recent USDA report highlights strong crop development

By Farms.com

The US Department of Agriculture's recent crop progress report offers a positive outlook for the nation’s agricultural sector, particularly for corn and soybeans, amid a backdrop of challenging weather conditions.

The report details that 41% of the corn crop has now silked, surpassing both last year’s figure and the five-year average. corn entering the dough stage is at 8%, also above typical rates.

For soybeans, 51% of the crop has bloomed, aligning with last year's performance and outstripping the five-year average. Pod setting in soybeans has reached 18%, pointing to a potentially strong yield come harvest.

The condition of both crops remains largely unchanged week-on-week, maintaining a majority in the good to excellent range, which is crucial for final yields. This consistency underscores the hardiness of US crops against the backdrop of less than ideal climatic conditions.

In terms of wheat, the winter crop harvest is progressing efficiently with 71% complete, ahead of both last year and the usual pace for this time of year, with Arkansas and Oklahoma fully wrapped up.

This data not only showcases the current state of key US crops but also the agricultural sector’s ability to withstand and adapt to environmental challenges, ensuring ongoing productivity and stability.

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.