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Corn and Soybean Crop Condition Hurting from Dry Conditions

Dry, hot weather is impacting condition of the corn crop. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey 45% of this year's crop has been dented as of Aug. 31, which is well behind the five-year average of 65%.

"That is something to watch as we head deeper into September and worry about the threat of an early freeze," Rippey says. "We do only have 14% having reached the dent stage in North Dakota; the five-year average is 47%. Only 24% dented in Minnesota; the five-year average 59%."

The dry weather pattern is also affecting soybean conditions, particularly in the northern states.

"We do see in Michigan and Wisconsin now 29% of the soybeans rated very poor to poor," Rippey says. "We've seen some increases in other states as well including Indiana at 18% and Ohio at 23% very poor to poor."

Although the dry weather is causing concern for the corn and soybean crop, it has allowed for nearly all spring wheat across the Northern Plains to be harvested.