Corn was 62% dented this week, which is behind the five-year average of 79%. However; according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, several places are much farther behind. He says that Wisconsin, North Dakota and Iowa are the farthest behind average.
"Wisconsin is only 31% dented by Sept. 7; the five-year average is 52%," Rippey says. "Even farther behind in North Dakota, 34% versus 65%; and in Iowa 50% versus 82%."
Rippey says that nationally 11% of the crop is mature compared to the average of 28% at this time of year.
"Of particular concern is in the far Upper Midwest," Rippey says. "We see only 1% fully mature in North Dakota, 2% in Minnesota. The five-year averages in those two states are 13%."
Rippey says despite the maturity numbers trailing the averages; the crop condition is relatively stable.
"We saw a shot of rain through the Central Corn Belt associated with the remnants of Hurricane Gustav that certainly helped out in those areas," Rippey says. "Corn as of Sept. 7 rated 61% good to excellent and that compares with 61% last week and last year."