As the crop advances into the V7–V10 stages, many areas of the state have experienced favorable conditions, with adequate moisture and the accumulation of growing degree days (GDDs) supporting rapid vegetative growth. At these stages, plants are typically adding a new leaf every two to three days, with significant internode elongation and canopy expansion occurring.
The emerged corn progress released by USDA-NASS for the week ending June 22 shows Indiana reaching 94%, up from 89% the previous week. Although emergence is nearly complete, the crop still trails the five-year average of 98% by four percentage points. Earlier-season rainfall and cooler soil temperatures likely contributed to delayed emergence across many fields, particularly in lower-lying or poorly drained areas.
Meanwhile, some states in the Corn Belt have progressed well, while others remain slightly behind. States such as Iowa (99%), Minnesota (100%), Nebraska (100%), and South Dakota (100%) are ahead of average, signaling a strong start to early crop development. The average emergence rate across the 18 reporting states stands at 97%, just one point below the 2020–2024 average of 98%, according to USDA-NASS.
The USDA-NASS corn condition ratings for this week also reflect a mostly positive early-season outlook. In Indiana, 54% of the corn crop is rated in good condition and 9% in excellent condition, suggesting a solid start to the season as planting and emergence wrap up. However, 27% of the crop is rated fair and 10% in poor or very poor condition, highlighting the need for close field scouting, especially where emergence was uneven or early-season stress was more pronounced.
Across the broader Corn Belt, several key states are showing strong early crop performance. Iowa leads with 62% rated good and 21% excellent, while Illinois reports 57% good and 17% excellent. Minnesota and Nebraska also show promising ratings, each with over 59% rated good or better. Nationwide, among the 18 reporting states, which represent 92% of total corn acreage, 56% of the crop is rated in good condition and 14% in excellent condition, with only 6% falling into poor or very poor categories.
