ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, U.S. — U.S. crop maturity came within one point of the five-year average according to a report released on July 20 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). With 55 % of corn acres in the silking stage as of June 19, maturity trailed the five-year average by only one point despite a seven-point gap the week prior. Despite lagging maturity, 69% of acres are still rated in good or excellent condition.

“While crop progress reaches a more normal state of maturity for this point in the season, it is heartening to see that corn quality remains high,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling. “As tasseling still lies ahead, a more advantageous mixture of sun, heat and well-timed showers could improve the crop further. Yet, it is important to keep in mind that, as we see many years, it will be difficult to accurately determine the final yield and size of the crop until we finish harvesting and assess the corn we place in our bins.”

Despite the progress toward silking across the country last week, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Texas continue to lag the five-year average by 10 or more points.

Crop condition estimates remained approximately the same with two points added to the percentage of the crop rated excellent this week and two taken from the percentage rated good. At this point last year, 76% of corn acres were in good or excellent condition.