The 2025 corn crop is maturing slowly across most U.S. production zones, with only seven states reporting measurable maturity as of August 18, according to the USDA. The national average for this growth stage is typically 3% at this point in the season, but only a few states are close-or ahead-of that benchmark.

Texas continues to lead the nation with 65% of its corn crop mature, up 5 percentage points from the previous week and 5 points above its five-year average. The crop's condition remains solid, with 62% rated good to excellent. Only 2% was rated very poor and 6% poor, signaling a generally strong performance amid regional heat and drought variability.

In North Carolina, 52% of the crop is reported mature, reflecting a significant 16-point jump from the previous week. That figure places it well ahead of the five-year average of 39%. North Carolina corn condition remains favorable, with 83% rated good to excellent and just 4% rated poor or worse.

Tennessee joined the list for the first time this season, reporting 11% maturity-above its five-year average of 7%, though still behind last year's 16%. Corn condition ratings show 58% in good to excellent condition, with 14% in poor or very poor shape, underscoring variable weather stress in some parts of the state.

Kentucky reported 4% maturity, in line with last year but 4 percentage points behind its five-year average. Its crop shows decent health overall, with 60% rated good to excellent.

Missouri's corn crop showed 3% maturity, slightly behind last year and its historical average. Still, crop condition is solid: 77% of Missouri corn is rated good to excellent, suggesting strong yield potential if maturing conditions remain favorable.

Kansas, despite being a major corn state, has only 1% of its crop matured so far, 5 points behind last year and 4 points below the five-year average. Its condition ratings are mixed, with 60% good to excellent, but 13% rated poor or very poor, indicating some regional stress.

In Ohio, also at 1% maturity, the crop is on par with the five-year average, though behind last year's 4%. The state's corn shows some signs of stress, with 14% rated poor or very poor, but still 55% falls into the good to excellent category.

Context & Industry Impact

These maturity numbers are critical to yield forecasts, input cost management, and grain marketing strategies. A slower maturing crop could compress harvest timelines, increasing logistical and labor costs, especially in the Midwest and Plains where corn volumes dominate.

Additionally, with global commodity markets sensitive to U.S. yield expectations, delayed maturity could influence futures pricing, basis levels, and domestic feed supply chains for the livestock sector. Farmers and co-ops will be watching closely as weather conditions in late August and early September will determine whether the crop can finish strong.

As the USDA prepares for its September yield revisions, maturity rates remain a key variable in estimating grain availability for export, biofuel use, and on-farm feed.