Eighty-one percent of Iowa’s corn crop is rated good or excellent by the U.S.D.A. Last week’s hot and humid weather really helped the corn and soybean crops in Iowa. Much of the corn is far beyond knee high, too. The average height of a stalk of corn in Iowa last week was 37 inches.

While 81 percent of Iowa’s corn crop is considered good or excellent, 78 percent of the state’s soybean crop is in good or excellent condition according to the U.S.D.A. A national report indicates U.S. farmers planted more corn than previously estimated. It’s the second-highest amount ever.

Plus, American farmers planted more acres with soybeans than ever before. That report, combined with the state report on crop conditions, pushed prices down this morning.