This report covers the period from April to July 2021. Winter wheat had reached maturity in June and July. Maize and soybean planting started in April and finished in May. Corn reached the silking stage in late July and soybeans the flowering and podding stage. Spring wheat sowing was completed in May and it will reach harvest stage in August. Overall, NDVI showed below-average crop conditions until July and near-average conditions in July.

For the country as a whole, rainfall was 20% higher and temperatures 0.4°C lower than the 15 years average. Time-series rainfall profile indicated above-average rainfall in all time windows except mid-June. Hot weather was observed in early to mid-June 2021, with temperatures reaching the maxima of the last 15 years. Rainfall in California (-70%), Oregon (-50%), Washington (-50%), Idaho (-47%), Nebraska (-21%), Montana (-13%), North Dakota (-13%) and Minnesota (-11%) was below the 15YA, and temperatures in these states were 0.8°C to 1.7°C warmer than the 15YA.Other states, particularly those along the Mississippi River, received abundant rainfall during the reporting period.

Poor crop condition due to water and temperature stress is confirmed by the VCIx in the Northern Plains and Northwest, which is an important spring wheat and maize production area where poor unfavorable weather conditions had a negative impact on crop production. NDVI departure clustering also identified the poor crop condition in the Northern Plains. Elsewhere, VCIx reflected good or excellent crop conditions, particularly in major parts of the Corn Beltand the lower Mississippi River area. The latter is an important maize, soybean and rice producing area and good crop conditions indicate that above-average crop production can be expected. At the country level, CALF was 3% below average due to drought conditions that reduced crop emergence.

In short, favorable crop condtions were assessed by CropWatch with the exception of the Northern Plains, northwest area and western regions.

Figure 3.42 United States crop condition, April to July 2021

a Phenology of United States from April to July 2021

b Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

c Time series rainfall profile

d Time series temperature profile

e Maximum VCI

f Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles

Regional Analyasis

(1) Corn Belt

The Corn Belt, as indicated by its name, is the most important maize and soybean producing zone. Normal agro-climatic condtions were observed during period with slightly above average precipitation, and average temperature and RADPAR. On average, the crop condtions were close to the 15 year peak at the end of July. Rainfall was 28% in illinois above average, effectively replenishing the soil moisture needed for crop growth. Although the rainfall in Iowa was above 15YA (+7%) , the northern half of Iowa was affected by severe and extreme drought. The cropped arable land fraction reached 100%, and the maximum vegetation index reached to 0.95,  identifying favourable crop growing conditions. Soybeans and maize harvest will start in September and above-average crop production could be expected if the good agro-climatic conditions continue.

g Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(2) Northern Plains

The Northern Plains is the largest spring wheat producing region and an important corn producing region in the United States. During the reporting period, the region experienced severe water shortages, and the weather was dominated by hot and dry condtions with rainfall 5% below average and temperatures 0.9°C above average. During the early and middle stages of crop growth, this region suffered from severe drought, which had a significant negative impact on crop emergence. Some crops were almost destroyed by drought. CALF was only 73% which was 17% below the average. As a result of the drought, the crop conditions in the Northern Plains, as indicated by the NDVI development profile, were significantly below the average. The maximum vegetation index dropped to 0.69, also indicating the poor crop conditions. In short, CropWatch assessed that below average crop production can be expected for this the reigon.

h Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(3) Lower Mississippi

The Lower Mississippi region is the most important rice producing region and an important producer of  soybean and maize. During the reporting period, abundant rainfall occurred, with rainfall 53% above average. Rice has a  high water demand and  the significantly above-average rainfall facilitated the recharge of soil moisture in favour of rice growth. The NDVI development profile indicated good crop conditions by the end of July. Compared to the last 5 years, cropped arable land fraction reached 100%, and the maximum vegetation index reached to 0.93, indicating good growth conditions. In short, CropWatch assessed that above-average crop production can be expected in the region given that rice is about to reach harvest stage soon.

i Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(4) Southern Plains

The Southern Plains is the most important area for winter wheat, sorghum and cotton production. During this period, winter wheat harvest was completed. Sorghum and cotton finished sowing and entered their peak growth periods. The Southern Plains received abundant rainfall, 58% above average. The NDVI development profile indicates the good crop condition after June. CALF reached 90%, which is 4% higher than the average, and the maximum vegetation index reached 0.93, indicating favorable growing conditions for the crop. In short, CropWatch assessed that above average production can be expected for the crops growing in the region.

j Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(5) Southeast region

Southeast region is a important cotton and maize producing area.  This region received abundant rainfall, 33% above average. The NDVI development profile indicated that the good crop conditions were observed after June. CALF reached 100%, and the maximum vegetation index reached 0.95, indicating good growing conditions. In short, CropWatch assessed that average production can be expected for the crops growing in the region.

k Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(6) Northwest

The Northwest is the second most important winter wheat producing areas, and an important spring wheat producing area. During the monitoring period, this region experienced hot and dry weather conditions with rainfall 45% below average and temperatures 1.5°C above average. The continued hot and dry weather accelerated soil moisture loss and greatly limited crop growth. The NDVI development profile indicated very poor crop conditions during this reporting period. CALF was only 71%, which was 16% below the average. The maximum vegetation index was 0.70. This also indicated the unfavourable crop conditions. In short, CropWatch assessed below average crop production can be expected in the region.

l Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Table 3.75 United States' agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April - July 2021

Table 3.76 United States' agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, April - July 2021