Nebraska corn 6 percent mature

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said today that 6 percent of Nebraska's corn crop was mature as of September 6. That's 1 point ahead of last year at this time but 6 points behind the five-year average.

USDA reported that 69 percent of the state's crop is dented -- even with a year ago but 11 points behind the average.

Corn in the dough stage reached 96 percent, which is 2 points ahead of last year and only 1 point behind the average. USDA said 77 percent of Nebraska's corn crop was in good to excellent condition, a figure that is on par with last year.

Corn is beginning to dry down in several parts of the state. Depending on weather, some early corn will be coming out in a couple of weeks.

Nationally, USDA said 8 percent of the crop is mature - off 2 points from last year but 15 points behind the five-year average. Only half the nation's corn crop is dented - 9 points behind last year and 25 points behind the five-year average. Meanwhile, 86 percent of the crop is in the dough stage, compared to 90 percent last year and 94 percent for the average.

USDA said 69 percent of the crop is in good to excellent condition.

Needless to say, an early frost would not be a good thing for a good chunk of the nation's corn crop.

For the full USDA report, click here.

This week's photo comes to the Nebraska Corn Board from the Blue Hill FFA Chapter. It shows corn beginning to turn - a sure sign that harvest nears.