Spring 2025 Crop Update

By Scott Borcherding, Growthland Farm Manager & Associate Real Estate Broker

Planting Progress
The 2025 planting season got an early start in much of Iowa thanks to dry spring soil conditions. Farmers began planting corn and soybeans as early as mid-April. However, wet weather leading into Easter weekend temporarily paused progress. Most growers were back in their fields by early May and were able to complete planting by mid-month, thanks to another stretch of favorable weather.

Some fields experienced crusting which made it difficult for seedlings to emerge. Farmers responded in various ways, including replanting or using rotary hoes to break up the crust. In many cases, growers moved forward with slightly reduced plant stands, with research showing that 80% stand counts planted mid-April can still yield near full potential.

National Outlook
According to USDA’s June 4 planting report, 91% of the U.S. corn crop and 78% of the soybean crop were planted—both slightly ahead of five-year averages. Early concerns about delays have eased, with farmers making up for lost time and getting crops in despite spotty spring rain events.

Soil Moisture & Weather Outlook
While spring rains helped ease drought conditions in much of Iowa, dryness remains a concern in the western Corn Belt, particularly across Nebraska and the Dakotas. Looking ahead, forecasts suggest hotter, drier conditions may return to those regions through July and August.

Recent USDA Updates – June Reports
June Acreage Report
The USDA’s most recent acreage update reports 95.2 million acres of corn planted nationwide—slightly below earlier projections—and 83.4 million acres of soybeans, down 4% from 2024. While the shift was modest, soybean acreage came in lower than expected, which may influence market dynamics heading into late summer. These updated figures aligned with recent market expectations and put greater focus on growing conditions through July and August.

Crop Progress & Condition
In the late June Crop Progress report, U.S. corn was rated 73% good to excellent, while soybeans stood at 66% good to excellent. These ratings are near historical averages and suggest healthy early development. Corn silking reached 8%, while soybeans are beginning to bloom across much of the Corn Belt.

In Iowa specifically, recent rainfall has helped improve topsoil moisture and boost crop conditions. Corn tasseling is beginning in some regions, and soybean pod set is underway. Continued moderate weather in July will be key to maintaining current yield potential.

Grain Market Trends
After an initial rally in January and February, cash grain values have softened into summer. Cash corn has mostly ranged between $4.00 and $4.60, and soybeans have hovered between $9.50 and $10.50. Strong export demand, a lower-than-usual soybean planting outlook, and tight corn carryover have supported prices. On the other hand, high projected corn acreage and policy uncertainty in the renewable fuel space have weighed on the markets. Tariff discussions continue to create uncertainty, though their current impact on demand has been minimal.

Crop Insurance & Assistance Programs
Federal assistance programs, such as the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, have provided relief payments to many producers this year. In addition, advanced insurance options like Margin Protection and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) have helped many secure higher levels of yield and price protection. Final payments from these programs are being processed now.

Farmland Improvements
Improving and maintaining farmland remains a long-term process. Whether addressing drainage, erosion, or infrastructure upgrades, projects often require 1–2 years from concept to completion. Success usually hinges on four key factors: identifying a need, proposing a solution, securing budget approval, and finding the right contractor. Our team works closely with landowners to manage this process and help protect and enhance the long-term value of farmland investments.

If you’d like to connect with our Farm Management Team, feel free to reach out.