Here’s the latest planting update excerpted from the July 7 USDA National Agricultural Statistics
Service bulletin (for week ending July 5):
Corn: By week’s end, 8 percent of the 2009 corn crop was at or beyond the silking stage, 3 points ahead of last year, but 8 points behind the 5-year average. Crop development was at or behind the average pace in all States except North Carolina. Ideal growing conditions in Tennessee allowed 39 percent of the crop to begin silking during the week. Overall, 71 percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition, down slightly from a week ago, but 9 points better than last year.
Soybeans: Nationally, 96 percent of the soybean crop had emerged, 2 points ahead of the pace a year ago, but 2 points slower than normal. In Iowa, the largest soybean-producing State, emergence was stagnate (sic) as producers in the southeastern part of the state continued to battle soggy fields in their efforts to plant their intended acreage. Blooming had begun in all estimating States and reached 14 percent complete by July 5, two points ahead of last year, but 10 points behind the 5-year average. Sixty-six percent of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition, compared with 68 percent a week ago and 59 percent a year ago.