U.S. corn, soybean harvests pass halfway points, USDA reports

On Monday, the USDA released its weekly Crop Progress Report.

U.S. corn, soybean harvests pass halfway point.

The corn crop's progress remained the same as a week ago, according to the USDA Crop Progress Report.

CORN

As of Sunday, the USDA pegged 97% of the crop as mature vs. a 93% five-year average.

On Monday, the U.S. corn condition rating was marked at 60% good/excellent equal to a week ago.

The USDA pegged the U.S. corn harvest at 52% complete vs. a 41% five-year average.

SOYBEANS

As of Sunday, the USDA rated the nation's soybean crop as 95% dropping leaves, equal to a five-year average.

The USDA pegged the U.S. soybean harvest at 60% complete vs. a 55% five-year average.

WHEAT

In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter wheat crop is 70% planted vs. a 71% five-year average.

Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to the USDA report. "The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Based on standard definitions, these respondents subjectively estimate the progress of crops through various stages of development, as well as the progress of producer activities. They also provide subjective evaluations of crop conditions," the USDA stated in its Monday report.

Most respondents complete their questionnaires on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the report.