Condition of Corn & Soybean Crops Lag Last Year

USDA reported today that the condition of both corn and soybeans continues to trail last years’ levels. According to the ag agency, 69% of corn acres are in “good” (54%) and “excellent” (15%) condition, with no change from the previous week. This compares to the same period of 2014 when 76% of the corn crop was in “good” (54%) or “excellent” (22%) condition.

Corn progress is also lagging behind a year ago and the 5-year average, according to USDA. As of July 12, 27% of corn is silking vs. 31% last year and the 5-year average of 34% for this date.

Soybean emergence is also behind the pace set in recent years, as 96% of the crop is emerged compared to 100% for this date a year ago and the 5-year average of 100%. At the same time, 38% of soybean acres are reported to be blooming, slightly behind 39% last year, but also slightly ahead of the 5-year average.

USDA also issued its first report of the year for soybean pods setting. As of July 12, the agency says that 6% of soybean acres have pods vs. 8% in 2014 and 5-year average of 7%.

The condition of soybeans deteriorated slightly from the previous week with 62% reported in “good” (50%) or “excellent” (12%) condition vs. 63% last week. Soybeans conditions are 10% behind last year’s level when 72% were reported in “good” (56%) or “excellent” (16%) condition.