The USDA Crop Progress report shows corn and soybean conditions improving in numerous states, however it is still down from where it was at this time last year.

According to the latest report, 54% of the soybeans planted are in good condition, 10% is in excellent and 27% is in fair condition. In 2016, 57% of the crop was in good condition at this time, 13% was deemed excellent and 23% was in fair condition.

In the July 5 report, 55% of the corn planted was in good condition, 13% was in excellent and 24% in fair condition. In 2016, 59% was in good, 16% excellent and 20% in fair condition.

The states that appear to show the worst soybean conditions include South Dakota (33% in good condition), Ohio and Indiana (44% in good condition), and North Dakota and Mississippi reporting only 45% in good condition.

Corn conditions also appear to be suffering in Indiana (41% good), Ohio (43% good) and South Dakota (38% good condition) the most. Indiana is struggling with only 6% in excellent and 36% in fair condition. Ohio farmers report 13% in excellent condition and 35% in fair condition. South Dakota reports a mere 4% excellent, 36% fair and 15% poor conditions.

On average, 10% of the corn crop is in the silking stage. The four year average is 13%.

States that stand out include North Carolina with 78%; Missouri with 75%; Texas with 63% and 61% in Tennessee.

Parts of the Midwest are also beginning to enter the silking stage including Illinois with 12%; Nebraska and Indiana with 8%; Ohio with 3% and the states of North Dakota and Pennsylvania report 2%.

The crop progress report shows 18% of the soybeans planted are blooming. That’s actually up 1% from the four year average. In the Midwest, Illinois and Indiana are reporting 15% and 14% respectively. Iowa and Kansas are reporting 12%. Meanwhile, states that appear to be a little behind include North Dakota with 8%; Minnesota with 9%; Wisconsin 10% and Ohio with 9%.