Best Corn Crop Start Since 2007; Wheat, Soy Seedings Gain

U.S. cornfields are in the best shape for this time of year since 2007 after warm, dry weather led to early planting and recent rains gave plants a good start, the government said. Soybean and wheat planting moved closer to completion.

About 77 percent of the corn was in good or excellent condition as of yesterday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said today in its first assessment of this year’s crop. An estimated 96 percent was planted, compared with 87 percent a week earlier, 75 percent a year earlier and the previous five-year average of 81 percent. About 76 percent of the seeds had emerged from the ground, up from 56 percent a week ago, 38 percent a year ago and the prior five-year average of 48 percent, the USDA said.