By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its September 8, 2025 Crop Progress report, providing an update on corn, soybean, and cotton development across major producing states.
Corn development continues steadily, with 94 percent of acreage in the dough stage across the 18 tracked states, matching the five-year average. Corn denting has advanced to 74 percent, ahead of last year’s 67 percent. In Ohio, denting reached 80 percent, reflecting good seasonal advancement. Nationally, corn condition ratings stood at 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 19 percent excellent, showing some variation due to regional weather patterns.
Soybean progress also remains near average. Pod-setting reached 97 percent of acreage in the 18 states, while 23 percent of soybeans had dropped leaves by September 7. In Ohio, pod-setting reached 100 percent, with 21 percent dropping leaves. Overall, soybean condition ratings show 3 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 14 percent excellent, indicating mostly stable crop health.
Cotton development is on track, with 97 percent of bolls set across the 15 main cotton states. Cotton bolls opening reached 40 percent, slightly above the five-year average. Harvest progress remains limited but is beginning in southern states, with 13 percent of cotton harvested nationally. Cotton condition ratings reflect regional challenges, with mixed results ranging from very poor to excellent.
The report underscores the importance of late-season weather in shaping final yields. Timely rains have supported growth in some regions, while dryness or excessive moisture stressed crops elsewhere. With harvest approaching, conditions over the next few weeks will be critical for final outcomes.
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Weather