According to a recent e-newsletter article distributed by the Iowa Corn Grower’s Association, U.S. corn and soybean crops continue to develop faster than average this year, thanks to generally beneficial growing weather. As of Sunday, July 18, 65% of the U.S. corn crop is silking, compared to 30% a year ago and the five year average of 47%, with all major growing states at or ahead of their respective averages. 8% of corn has reached the dough making stage, compared to 4% last year and 7% on average and 72% of the crop is in good to excellent condition, down 1% from last week. For soybeans, 60% are blooming, compared to 41% a year ago and 56% on average, with 18% at the pod setting stage, compared to 8% last year and the five year average of 15%. 67% of soybeans are in good to excellent shape, up 2% on the week.
Source: Brownfield Network, July 19, 2010 and the Iowa Corn Grower’s Association.