With 97% of corn and 90% of soybeans emerged, USDA is reporting that the conditions of the two crops continue on a particularly strong paths as they continue to mature.

As of June 17, 78% of corn acres are rate “good” (59%) and “excellent” (19%). This is 1% better than a week earlier when 77% of emerged corn was “good” (59%) and “excellent” (18%). This easily surpasses the 5 year average of 67% in “good” (55%) and “excellent” (12%) condition.

USDA also reported that 97% of soybean acres have been planted. This compares with 95% on this date in 2017 and the 5 year average of 91%.

The condition of this year’s soybean crop so far is 73% in “good” (58%) and “excellent” (15%) shape. This is down 1% vs. the previous week (60% “good” and 14% “excellent”) but better than the 5 year average of 67% “good” (57%) and “excellent” (10%).