Four States Lag Behind Corn Silking Averages

The USDA released data on corn silking for the week ending July 20, 2025, in its latest Crop Progress report. While the top 18 corn producing states are only 2% behind the five-year average, four states are behind by 5 or more points.

Here’s a look at those states:

Colorado

Corn silking in Colorado jumped 15 points from the week ending July 13, reaching 20%. Despite the gain, the crop still trails the five-year average of 29% by 9 points.

Indiana

In the Hoosier State, 55% of the corn is silking. While that’s a 24-point increase from the week ending July 13, it’s still 5 points behind the five-year average of 60%.

“Corn is almost all tasseled and fungicide applications are underway,” said Chad Threewits, agronomic service representative for Syngenta Crop Protection. “Northern Indiana has been very drought stressed and received much-need rain over the weekend.”

He added that later-planted crops are showing signs of heat and drought stress.  

Minnesota

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is behind the five-year average of 54% by 10 points. Corn did make a jump from the week ending July 13 at 19% silking to the current 44% silking.

“In Minnesota we are in the middle of the pollination,” shared Tim Dahl, agronomic service representative for Syngenta Crop Protection. “Most fields have good moisture, and we have had some warm days and days with moderate temperatures.”

He’s optimistic that pollination should be fine in his area.

Nebraska

The Cornhusker state reports 56% of its corn is silking, trailing the five-year average of 64% by 8 points. That’s a jump from the week ending July 13, with only 27% silking.

“Corn in Nebraska has seen some absolutely ideal growing conditions,” said Travis Gustafson, agronomic service representative for Syngenta Crop Protection. “Corn is pretty much fully tasseled with excellent conditions for pollination.”

Gustafson noted that moisture has been generally adequate for corn, but growers are beginning to start up irrigation as temperatures increase heading into grain fill.