U.S. corn crop development made substantial progress last week but continues to trail the five-year average in key growth stages, according to data released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The USDA’s weekly Crop Progress report shows 88 percent of corn in the 18 major producing states has reached the silking stage as of August 3, up from 76 percent the previous week but slightly behind the five-year average of 89 percent.
Colorado showed the most significant weekly improvement, jumping from 36 percent to 47 percent silking, though still well below last year’s 69 percent and the five-year average of 75 percent.
Illinois and Iowa, two leading corn-producing states, reported 96 percent and 92 percent silking respectively, both ahead of their five-year averages.
North Dakota continues to show strong progress at 75 percent, nearly matching its five-year average despite challenging growing conditions earlier in the season.
The report, which covers states accounting for 92 percent of the 2024 corn acreage, indicates regional variations persist as the growing season progresses through critical development stages.
