Insight - US corn starts out in much better shape

The US Department of Agri-culture’s (USDA) statistics service on Monday rated 73% of the US corn crop in good or excellent health as of Sunday, well above the average analyst expectation for 68% (File pic shows mechanised corn planting.)

THE US corn-growing season got off to a shaky start as cool, wet weather kept the planting pace among the slowest in history, but the yield outlooks are positive early on with above-average conditions, particularly in top-growing states.

The US Department of Agri-culture’s (USDA) statistics service on Monday rated 73% of the US corn crop in good or excellent health as of Sunday, well above the average analyst expectation for 68%.