Overall, soybean conditions are beginning to improve. This week, the NASS report showed 49% of the soybeans planted this season are in good condition. That’s up two percent from last week. The report shows 28% are in fair condition and only 10% are rated excellent.

The corn conditions fell this week. Only 48% of the corn planted is classified as good condition. Last week, 49% was in good condition. Growers report there is 26% in fair condition and 13% in excellent condition.

Corn Silking

Overall, corn silking hit the 4-year average this week. The report shows 85% of the corn planted is now silking. Last week, only 67% was silking. Last year, 89% was silking at this time.

Many states are above the average for the amount of corn in the silking stage including Illinois with 93%; Iowa and Nebraska with 91% as well as Kentucky with 90% silking.

Corn dough

Regarding corn in the dough stage, USDA reports 23% of the corn is there, down slightly from the four year average of 25%. Last year, there was 28% of the crop in the dough stage.

Some Midwest states are above the average including Illinois at 36%; Indiana at 25%; Missouri at 55% and Kentucky at 42%.

Soybeans blooming

Farmers and crop reporters say 82% of the soybeans are blooming, up 2% from the four year average. Last week, only 69% were in bloom.

In the Midwest, Illinois farmers report 88% are bloom, 87% in Nebraska, 86% in Minnesota, 85% in Iowa and 81% in Indiana. Other states leading the pack include Louisiana with 98%; Arkansas with 94%; Mississippi with 93% and Tennessee with 85%.

Soybeans setting pods

Last year, 51% of the soybean crop was setting pods, compared to 48% setting pods now. That’s still up 3% from the four-year average of 45%.  Last week, only 29% was setting pods.

In the Midwest, Iowa reports 52% are setting pods, 50% in Illinois and 49% in North Dakota.

In the south, Louisiana reports 94%; Mississippi has 82% reporting pods and 80% in Arkansas.