The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 94% of corn in major producing states has reached the silking stage as of August 10, above the five-year average of 95% and up from 88% reported last week.
The USDA’s weekly Crop Progress report, which covers 18 states accounting for 92% of the nation’s corn acreage, showed development varying by region. Southern states including North Carolina and Texas reported nearly complete silking at 99% and 98% respectively, while northern states like North Dakota (90%) and Michigan (93%) showed slightly lower rates.
Corn entering the dough stage reached 14% across the surveyed states, up from 6% the previous week but trailing the five-year average. The dented stage stands at 5% nationally.
For other crops, cotton setting bolls reached 65% compared to a five-year average of 72%, while soybean blooming progress hit 94% against a 95% historical average.
Weather conditions and moisture levels remain crucial factors for final yield potential as crops enter reproductive stages, particularly in drought-affected regions.
The USDA releases updated crop progress data each Monday during the growing season.
