USDA’s May 29 Crop Progress report provided the first subjective, visual-based observations of the condition of the U.S. corn crop, reports the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Based on observations from approximately 3,600 respondents, as of May 27, 79% of the 18-state corn area is in good-to-excellent condition – the second-highest initial rating since 1991 and the highest level since 1994.
While the current initial ratings are among the highest ever recorded, it is far too early to draw conclusions on crop yields or the size of the corn crop.
Currently, U.S. growers are expected to harvest 80.7 million acres of corn with a weather-adjusted trend yield estimate of 174 bushels per acre.
