The maturity of the U.S. corn crop is still on track in most areas according to the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture crop progress report. Additionally, with only spotty exception, the majority of the crop is of comparable condition as that of 2009, when U.S. corn growers set the current production record.
"While it’s doubtful yields will set records this year, corn growers are still projected to produce a record crop with slightly higher acreage" said National Corn Growers Association President Bart Schott. "Farmers are at the mercy of the weather but advances in biotechnology and production techniques allow us to better withstand difficult conditions and cultivate enough corn to meet all demands."
Based on conditions as of July 24, 62 percent of the crop was rated in good to excellent. Corn is also maturing nearly on schedule with 65 percent of the crop reportedly already in the silking stage, only four points behind the 5-year average at the same time. Despite last week’s intense heat over the entire Corn Belt, the corn condition degraded only four points from the previous week.
According to this report, over 75 percent of the corn crop was rated as good to excellent in five states. Of these, Tennessee had the highest overall rating with 81 percent of the crop condition graded as good to excellent. Both Iowa and Nebraska rated nearly as high at 80 percent good to excellent. South Dakota and Wisconsin rated 78 and 76 percent good to excellent respectively.
"As farmers, we are proud that we are producing a quality, plentiful crop despite the poor growing conditions plaguing much of the Corn Belt," said Schott. "Even though drought and flooding continue to affect so many farmers, the vast majority of the corn crop is in well above average condition at this point."
National Corn Growers Association
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