The corn crop is reaching dent stage in 10 states and is at dough stage in all but one of the major corn-producing states. The soybean crop continues ahead-of-average blooming, and over one-third of the overall crop is setting pods. As both crops continue ahead-of-normal development, conditions continue to slip.

Corn development marches on with the majority of the crop silking. Eighty-six percent of the crop has silks, well ahead of the 59% five-year average. Almost one-quarter of the crop has reached dough stage, with all states seeing corn at that stage except Michigan. This is also well ahead of the average schedule at 22% versus 9%. Denting has begun in several states. The Texas crop is furthest along with 65% of its corn at dent stage. Overall, 6% of the 2012 corn crop is denting.

Conditions declined again in the last week. The overall corn crop lost 5 points and is now at just over one-quarter good/excellent condition. The very poor/poor rating gained 7 points; certainly not a desirable addition. Missouri corn is in the worst condition at 79% very poor/poor. Minnesota corn is still holding its spot as the top corn being produced with 61% of its corn crop in good/excellent condition.

Soybeans are making development progress in all soybean-producing states. Over three-fourths of the crop is blooming overall, ahead of the 60% five-year average. Over one-third of the crop is setting pods. Beans in North Dakota took off over the last week with 62% of the crop there setting pods versus 18% last week. Michigan beans went from no pod set last week to 23% of its crop setting pods this week.

Soybeans declined in condition over the last week. The overall crop is now rated 31% good/excellent, and 35% very poor/poor. Mississippi continues to have the best beans with 71% of its crop in good/excellent condition. Louisiana’s soybean crop is 64% good/excellent, and is the only state that has no beans in very poor condition. Missouri’s soybeans continue to take a hit from the drought the crop is rated 68% very poor/poor.