Which U.S. state currently has the best corn?
In its weekly USDA crop progress report for the week ending June 29, the agency highlighted that 73% of the U.S. corn crop was rated good to excellent, the highest level reached this season. Notably, three of the top 18 corn-producing states exceed the 80% threshold, and six states posted significant week-over-week improvements.
Pennsylvania: The clear frontrunnerAccording to the USDA, Pennsylvania currently leads the nation with 86% of its corn rated good to excellent, including 30% in excellent condition. Only 12% was rated fair, and a mere 2% poor, with no acreage falling into the very poor category. These numbers suggest outstanding early-season development with minimal stress factors. As of June 29, none of the state's corn crop had reached the silking stage, which is expected for this point in the season in that geographic zone. Pennsylvania's cooler early summer climate typically delays development stages compared to Midwestern states.
Iowa: A strong secondThe nation's largest corn-producing state, Iowa, posted 85% good to excellent ratings. The remainder was classified as 13% fair and 2% poor, with zero very poor conditions reported. The week saw continued praise from local producers like Kelly Garrett of Crawford County, who noted, "Our crop looks perfect right now... I couldn't be happier." Agronomists across the region agree that timely precipitation and moderate temperatures are contributing to ideal growing conditions. 3% of Iowa's crop had reached silking by June 29, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 2%. Iowa's consistent progress places it in an excellent position entering the key reproductive phase.
North Carolina: Early progress and strong ratingsIn the southeastern U.S., North Carolina continues to report robust early-season performance. 82% of the state's corn was rated good to excellent, with nearly 25% in excellent condition-second only to Pennsylvania. Only 13% was fair, and 5% was rated poor to very poor. Silking progress stood at 67%, a 19-point increase from the previous week and 16 points ahead of the five-year average. This early-season lead indicates that North Carolina's corn could potentially reach maturity sooner, giving farmers an edge in market timing and input planning.
Nebraska: Steady development and minimal stressNebraska reported 77% of its corn crop in good to excellent condition, with 20% fair and only 3% poor to very poor. Agronomists like Travis Gustafson from Syngenta note that crops are progressing quickly due to warm weather combined with sufficient soil moisture. "We're seeing optimal, stress-free growth across much of the state," Gustafson said. 2% of the state's corn had reached the silking stage, slightly above the five-year average of 1%. Nebraska's balanced conditions may support consistent kernel development heading into July.
Colorado: Positive trends despite mixed classificationsIn Colorado, 76% of the corn crop was rated good to excellent, with 10% fair and a higher-than-average 14% poor to very poor. Although none of the crop had reached silking as of June 29, this is typical for the state's longer growing season and altitude-influenced climate. Continued monitoring of moisture levels and heat units will be key for this region, where stress events can quickly change crop outcomes.
Wisconsin: Variability north to southRounding out the top performers, Wisconsin saw 75% good to excellent ratings, with 21% fair and 4% poor to very poor. Agronomists report a split trend: northern Wisconsin has faced excessive rainfall that could stress root systems, while southern areas have enjoyed more balanced moisture conditions. Despite no crop reaching silking yet-normal for Wisconsin at this stage-yield potential remains high if weather stabilizes through July.
National outlook and climatic factorsAt the national level, the USDA noted that 8% of corn acreage had reached the silking stage, outpacing the five-year average of 6%. Weather models predict scattered showers and thunderstorms across the central and eastern U.S., potentially creating varied soil moisture profiles. These shifts could influence pest dynamics, disease pressure, and fertility management decisions. High ratings in corn condition are also likely to impact commodity markets, influencing corn futures prices and risk assessment strategies for crop insurance providers.
As the growing season progresses, all eyes remain on precipitation patterns, heat accumulation, and pollination success to determine how current potential will translate into actual yield outcomes.