USDA reported today that U.S. corn and soybean crops remain in relatively good shape, but both crops have slipped somewhat behind either year-ago or their 5-year average progress.

According to its latest Crop Progress report, USDA says that 12% of corn acres are silking, which is up from 4% a week ago, but behind 14% a year ago and down from its 5-year average of 18%. The ag agency also reported that 69% of U.S. corn is in “good” (55%) or “excellent” (14%) condition as of July 5. This up 1% compared to a week earlier, but down from a year, when 75% of corn acres were rated in either “good” or “excellent” condition (54% good, 21%).

Soybean plantings continue to lag. USDA reports that 96% of soybean acres have been planted. In Missouri, only 73% of the crop is in the ground, while Illinois stands at 94% and Indiana at 97%.

Soybeans “emerged” stands at 93%, behind the 97% a year earlier and 97% 5-year average. The current state of “blooming” of soybeans, 21%, is pretty much up to speed with last year (22%) and the 5-year average of 21%.

Only two-thirds (63%) of soybeans are rated as being in “good” (52%) or “excellent” (11%) condition. This is identical to a week ago, but down significantly from a year earlier when 73% of soybean acres were in either “good” (57%) or “excellent” (15%) condition.