Corn and Soybean Continue Slightly Ahead of Normal

Aug 22, 2018

Crop condition reports remained high this week with good-to-excellent ratings for 84% of the state's corn crop and 81% of the state's soybeans, according to today's report from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Progress was generally ahead of normal.

Corn condition rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 10% fair, 57% good, and 27% excellent. Corn dough was 88%, ahead of 80% last year and 79% for the five-year average. Dented was 38%, ahead of 26% last year and the five-year average of 25%.

Soybean condition rated 2% very poor, 5% poor, 12% fair, 59% good, and 22% excellent. Soybeans setting pods was 92%, ahead of 87% last year, and near the five-year average of 88%. Dropping leaves was 2%, near the average of 1%.

Sorghum condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 13% fair, 62% good, and 22% excellent. Sorghum headed was 96%, ahead of 90% both last year and average. Coloring was 43%, well ahead of 22% last year, and ahead of the five-year average of 25%.

Pasture and range conditions rated 3% very poor, 4% poor, 18% fair, 58% good, and 17% excellent.

Source: unl.edu

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.