The latest Crop Progress report from USDA shows a small improvement in the condition of both corn and soybean crops as of Aug. 25. But, as expected, both remain significantly behind both last year's and the 5 year average when it comes to pace of development.

As of last Sunday, the corn crop is rated as 57% “good” (47%) and “excellent” (10%). This a 1% improvement compared with the previous week when 56% of the crop was rated as “good” (46%) and “excellent” (10%). Last year on this date, 68% of the corn crop was rate “good” (47%) and “excellent” (21%).

As far as actual progress, as of Aug. 25, 71% of corn acres had entered the dough stage compared with 55% the previous week, 91% a year ago and the 5 year average of 87%. Corn dented currently was estimated to be 27%, up from 15% a week earlier, 59% a year earlier and the 5 year average of 46%.

The condition of the 2019 soybean crop was rated as 55% “good” (46%) and “excellent” (9%). This is up 2% vs. a week earlier when soybeans were rated as 53% “good” (44%) and “excellent” (9%).

It is estimated that 94% of soybeans are in the blooming stage. This compares with 90% the previous week, 100% a year ago and the 5 year average of 99% for this date. An estimated 79% of soybean acres are said to be setting pods. This is up from 68% a week earlier, 94% for this date in 2018 and the 5 year average of 91%.