USDA reported again this week that the condition of U.S. corn and soybean crops continued to deteriorate compared to the previous week and year.

As of July 23, 62% of the corn crop was rated as “good” (49%) or “excellent” (13%). This compares with 64% a week earlier when 51% was rated as “good” and 13% as excellent. And it’s significantly down from a year ago when 76% of the corn crop was rated as “good” (57%) or “excellent” (19%).

In terms of progress, USDA said that 67% of corn acres were “silking” vs. 76% on this date a year ago and the 5-year average of 69%. The ag agency also reported that 8% of the crop as at the “dough” stage compared to 12% last year and the 5-year average of 13%.

As of this past Sunday (July 23), 57% of soybeans were “good” (47%) or “excellent” (10%). This compares with 61% a week earlier when 61% was rated as “good” (51%) or “excellent” (10%). Like the corn crop, the current condition of soybeans compared with one year ago is showing significant decline when 71% was rated as “good” (56%) or “excellent” (15%).

Currently, 69% of soybeans are “blooming” vs. 74% a week earlier and the 5-year average of 67%. Some 29% of soybean acres are reportedly “setting pods.” This compares with 33% last year for this date and the 5-year average of 27%.