Corn development ahead of schedule

WISCONSIN — Wisconsin corn crops are advancing through critical development stages faster than usual this growing season, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture crop progress report released July 21.
As of July 20, 31% of Wisconsin’s corn had reached the silking stage, compared to 13% during the same week last year and a five-year average of 30%. The silking stage marks when corn plants produce silk strands that will capture pollen for kernel development.
Additionally, 2% of the state’s corn has already reached the dough stage, where kernels begin to fill with starch. No corn had reached this stage by July 20 last year.
“The corn crop is progressing well ahead of last year’s pace,” said the report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Wisconsin corn conditions remain strong, with 59% of the crop rated good and 20% rated excellent. Only 3% of corn fields are rated in poor condition, with 17% rated fair.

The accelerated development comes as farmers across the 18-state corn belt, which represents 92% of national corn acreage, report similar advancement. Nationally, 58% of corn has reached silking compared to 34% last year.
Soybean crops are also progressing well in Wisconsin, with 59% of plants now blooming compared to 44% at this time last year. About 17% of soybeans have begun setting pods, slightly ahead of the 13% recorded last year.
Weather conditions have been favorable for fieldwork, with Wisconsin farmers averaging 4.9 days suitable for field activities during the week ending July 20.
The weekly crop progress reports track agricultural development across major farming states and provide crucial data for commodity markets and agricultural planning.