Agricultural News
National Corn Crop Quality Remains High, Progress Surpasses Average
Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:57:33 CDT
Percentage of corn acres having reached the silking stage surpassed the five-year average last week, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released today. The report also indicates that the overall condition remained strong with 76 percent of all corn acres rated in good or excellent condition. This total showed a one point gain from last week, with the increase specifically placed in acres rated in excellent condition.
"Obviously, corn farmers are pleased to see such strong quality reports at this point in the season," said NCGA President Martin Barbre. "While our corn shows promise in the fields, we are keenly aware of the many challenges which might arise tomorrow. America's farmers have excelled this year, using the best and most sustainable practices and most advanced tools to ensure a successful crop. Now, we have to work just as diligently to maintain and grow markets that will ensure our crop helps meet our world's growing need for fuel, food and fiber."
On July 13, 34 percent of all corn acres had reached the silking stage, surpassing the five-year average by one point. The previous week silking trailed the average by three percentage points. States in which silking surpassed the five-year average, such as Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois, made up for lagging progress in states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, which trail the five-year average by 14 points each.
The 2014 corn crop condition estimate was increased by one point, indicating quality far superior to that seen in the 2013 crop at this point. With 76 percent of the crop in good or excellent condition and only one percent of corn in very poor condition, reports continue to suggest a crop of quality superior to that of the record-production seen the year prior. At this point in 2013, only 66 percent of the total crop was rated in good or excellent condition.
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