USDA: Corn, soy crops grow slightly worse

[August 07, 2012]  CHAMPAIGN (AP) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the condition of country's corn and soybean crops hasn't gotten much worse in the past week but large portions remain in poor shape amid widespread drought.

The USDA's weekly Crop Progress report said Monday that half of the nation's corn is in poor condition. A week earlier 48 percent was in poor shape.

Similarly, 39 percent of the soybean crop is in poor condition compared to 37 percent a week earlier.

Large portions of both crops are grown in the Midwest where the drought is severe.

Illinois is among the hardest-hit states and the nation's No. 2 corn and soybean grower. Almost three-quarters of its corn crop and 57 percent of its soybeans are rated poor.

[Associated Press]

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