While the overall condition of the U.S. corn crop declined slightly during the past week, the condition of soybeans improved somewhat.

According to USDA’S Crop Progress report for Aug. 6, 2017, 60% of the current corn crop is in “good” (47%) or “excellent” (13%) condition. This is one point lower than the previous week when 61% was rated as “good” (48%) or “excellent” (13%). These rating are significantly below last year at this time when 74% of corn acres were rated as “good” (54%) or “excellent” (20%).

USDA also reports that 93% of the crop is silking vs. 85% a week earlier and the 5-year average 94%. Last year at this time, 96% of corn was silking.

The condition of U.S. soybeans improved slightly to 60% “good” (50%) or “excellent” (10%). This is up 1% better than the previous week when 59% was rated as “good” (49%) and “excellent” (10%). Like corn, the condition of the current soybean crop is rated significantly lower than a year ago when 72% was rated as “good” (55%) and “excellent” (17%).

As far as the progress of soybeans so far this growing season, it’s pretty much keeping up with past years. Currently, 90% of soybean acres are blooming, up 8% from a week earlier, even with last year at this time, and 2% better than the 5-year average.

Some 65% of soybeans were setting pods as of this past Sunday. This compares with 48% last week and 67% one year ago. The 5-year average is 62% for this date.