The progress of the U.S. corn and soybean crops easily surpass where they were a year ago.

According to USDA’s Crop Progress report for July 1, 17% of corn acres are in the silking stage. This compares with 9% a year ago and the 5 year average of 8% for this date.

Meanwhile, the condition of the corn crop is little changed from a week earlier. As of Sunday, 76% was rated “good” (55%) and “excellent” (21%). This compares to 77% was rated “good” (58%) and “excellent” (19%). The 5 year average is 68% “good” (55%) and “excellent” (13%).

USDA is also reporting that 27% of the soybean crop is blooming. A year ago on July 1, 17% was in the blooming stage and the 5 year average for this date is 13%.

The condition of soybeans is down only slightly from the previous week. As of this past Sunday, 71% of soybeans were in “good” (55%) and “excellent” (16%) condition. A week earlier, 73% of soybean acres were in “good” (58%) and “excellent” (15%) condition. The 5 year average for this date is 64% in “good” (54%) and “excellent” (10%) condition.