Click the large green dots on the interactive map to see reports from this week, with the larger orange dots showing last week’s comments. Note that the map may need to be refreshed to display all the locations.

How big is the U.S. corn crop? Traders continue to debate that topic ahead of USDA’s first survey of farmers and their fields Aug. 12. But growers responding this week to Feedback From The Field are sounding a more cautious note.

A common comment: Corn isn’t as good as it looks from the road.

While stress is to be expected in areas with bad weather, even some growers in states with better conditions are concerned.

A common comment from growers responding to Feedback from the Field: Corn isn’t as good as it looks from the road. (Photo: AlinaMD/Thinkstock)

“Looks good from the road but in field, severe tippng back on some varieties, depending on pollination/heat timing,” said an Iowa grower west of Des Moines.

“Starting to see some of our early corn that is tipped back more than normal and some zippering,” added another producer from southwest Illinois. “Not going to be as good as what people think.”

Weekly crop ratings put out by USDA on Monday continue to be very strong, suggesting yields approaching 175 bpa, according to Farm Futures models. That would generate total production topping 15 billion bushels. But projections Farm Futures makes from summer weather and satellite maps are much lower, in the 165 to 167 bpa range. That’s still above average, however, and would push the corn crop over 14 billion bushels.

Farm Futures reports results of its first survey of 2016 corn and soybean production Friday morning at 7 a.m. CDT.

Feedback From The Field comments continue to note problems in the eastern Corn Belt, where growing conditions this year have been challenging.

Much of eastern Kentucky received very heavy rainfall in July, with some totals topping 16 inches.  Lack of relief from heat during the night is a widespread concern.

“Warm nighttime temperatures have pushed this corn crop thru grain fill fast,” said one Kentucky farmer.  “Excessive rainfall over the past 45 days has led to nitrogen loss and disease pressure. This crop is limping its way to black layer. “

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Feedback from the Field - Aug. 1, 2016 - Growers sound more optimistic about crops

Feedback from the Field - July 25, 2016 - Corn, soybean crops improve despite blast of heat

Feedback from the Field - July 20, 2016 - Heat backs West, but growers in East are worried

Feedback from the Field - July 18, 2016 - Growers report boom or bust conditions ahead of heat wave

Feedback from the Field - July 11, 2016 - Rains help improve corn and soybean conditions as heat wave approaches

Feedback from the Field - June 30, 2016 - Crop conditions ease as corn enters crucial test

Feedback from the Field - June 27, 2016 - Many areas still short of rain

Feedback from the Field - June 17, 2016 - Wheat looks great, but corn and soybeans start to wilt in the heat

Feedback from the Field - June 13, 2016 - Crops off to good start, but need rain

Feedback from the Field - June 8, 2016 - Growers say heat will help some crops, hurt others.

Feedback from the Field - June 6, 2016 - Crops improve, but growers see too much or too little rain

Feedback from the Field - May 31, 2016 - Corn slowly improves ahead of first USDA ratings

Feedback from the Field - May 25, 2016 - Goldilocks spring hard to find in Corn Belt

Feedback from the Field - May 23, 2016 - Corn Belt dries out a little as mid-May deadline arrives

Feedback from the Field - May 18, 2016 - Growers worry about frost damage from weekend's chill

Feedback from the Field - May 14, 2016 - Growers hope to get back into the field

Feedback from the Field - May 13, 2016 - Planting delays grab market's attention

Feedback from the Field - May 11, 2016 - It's deju vu all over again as wet weather continues

Feedback from the Field - May 9, 2016 - Weather challenges farmers in eastern Midwest

Feedback from the Field - May 3, 2016 - Growers say wet weather stalls planting

Feedback from the Field - May 2, 2016 - Some crops off to slow start as wet and cold hamper planting