U.S. corn growing slowly

WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- Progress in the U.S. corn crop remains far behind its historic average, as the corn cobs enter the silking stage, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

In the previous five seasons, the 18 largest corn-producing states have averaged 8 percent of the crop at the silking stage by this time of year. Only 4 percent of this year's crop has reached that stage so far this year.

A 4 percentage point difference may sound negligible, but historically eight states at this time of year report silking at 10 percent or better. This year, following a slow, rainy planting season, three states -- North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee -- are the only ones reporting 8 percent or more of the acreage planted has reached the silking stage.

The winter wheat harvest is near its historic average with 40 percent harvested, compared with an average of 46 percent the past five years.

The weekly crop progress report said 93 percent of the corn crop was in fair to excellent condition. The 18 largest winter wheat-producing states report 72 percent of the crop is in fair to excellent condition.