There was very little change in the overall condition of this year’s corn and soybean crop during the past week, but both continue to lag crop conditions at this point a year ago, according to USDA’s Aug. 19 Crop Progress report. At the same time, the maturation progress of both are lagging vs. last year and the 5 year average.

The condition of corn as of Aug. 18, was 56% “good” (46%) and “excellent” (10%). This is down 1% from a week earlier when 57% were rated as “good” (47%) and “excellent” (10%). These are down from 68% last year when 48% of the corn crop was estimated to be “good” and 20% “excellent.”

USDA reported that as of this past Sunday 95% of corn acres were silking. This is down from 100% for this date is 2018 and from the 5 year average of 99% silking on this date. The report indicated that 55% of this year’s corn crop was at the dough stage vs. 83% last year and the 5 year average of 76%. The ag agency estimates that 15% of corn is currently in the dented stage vs. 41% last year and the 5 year average of 30% for this date.

The progress and condition of the current soybean crop is similar to that of corn. USDA is rating the condition of soybeans as 53% “good” (44%) and “excellent” (9%). This compares with 54% the previous week when 46% was estimated to be “good” and 16% “excellent.”

This week’s report shows that 90% of soybeans are blooming compared to 99% a year ago and the 5 year average of 96%. A drop off is obvious when looking at the soybean acres currently setting pods. The Aug. 19 report shows 68% are setting pods as of last Sunday. For this date in 2018, 90% were setting pods and the 5 year average for this stage of development is 85%.