Today, USDA reported the 2011 corn crop, at 79% emerged, is off to a start that is behind last year’s crop (93%) and the average pace over the last 5 years (90%).

USDA reported 67% of the corn crop is in "good" or "excellent" condition, behind the 76% reported at this time last year.

USDA also reported 34% of the winter wheat crop is in "good" or "excellent" condition, behind the 66% reported last year. Soybean and spring wheat crop conditions will be published later in the growing season.