In its latest report on the condition of corn and soybean crops, USDA reports that both are lagging compared to a year ago.
According to the ag agency, 67% of the corn crop is in “good” (55%) or “excellent” (12%) condition as of June 25, which is the same as last week. The crop last year on this date was rated as 75% “good” (59%) and “excellent” (16%).
The report also indicated that 4% of corn acres are silking vs. 5% last year and the 5-year average of 5%.
Condition-wise, soybeans on June 25 slipped slightly from a week earlier. The most recent report indicates that 66% of soybeans are in “good” (56%) and “excellent” (10%) condition. This is down 1% from a week earlier and 6% compared to last year at this time when 60% was rated as “good” and 12% “excellent.
USDA also reports that 94% of the soybean crop is emerged, up 5% from last week (89%). Soybeans are emerging at the same rate as last year (94%), and are 3% ahead of the 5-year average.
On the other hand, 9% of soybean acres are blooming vs. 8% a year ago and 7%, which was the 5-year average.