Corn Crop Reaches Milestone, Condition Falls to 60%

Corn crops in the top 18 corn-growing states have reached a significant milestone this season. As of August 16, 97% of the crop had reached the silk growth stage, meeting the five-year average of 97%. The USDA also reported that 76% of the corn crop had reached the dough growth stage, exceeding the five-year average of 70%. With regards to maturity, 4% of the crop in eight states had reached the mature stage, just ahead of the five-year average of 3%.

The condition of the nation's corn crop has declined compared to last year. As of August 16, only 60% of the crop was rated good or excellent, down from 71% at this time in 2025. The fair rating had increased to 25%, while poor/very poor ratings remained steady at 13%.

The soybean crop is also progressing well, with 96% of the top 18 soybean-growing states having reached the bloom growth stage by August 16. This exceeds the five-year average of 94%. Meanwhile, 85% of soybeans were setting pods as of August 16, ahead of the five-year average of 80%.