ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, U.S. — While corn crop condition remained about the same, crop maturity continued to trail the five-year average, according to a report released on July 13 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 27% of corn acres in the silking stage as of June 12, maturity trailed the five-year average by seven points despite a 15-point increase from the week prior. Despite lagging maturity, 69% of acres are still rated in good or excellent condition.

“As wet conditions persist, it makes sense that maturity continues to progress at a slower-than-normal rate,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling. “Yet, with tasseling still ahead, a more advantageous mixture of sun, heat and well-timed showers could help the crop recover. As is so often true, the conditions prevalent during tasseling will play a sizeable role in determining the size of the crop at harvest.” 

The states tailing their five-year average of acres of corn silking by the greatest spread include Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota, which trail the five-year average by 13, 12 and 11 points, respectively.

At the same time, the crop condition held relatively steady with acres rated good down by one point and those rated excellent increased by one point.

To review the full USDA click here.