However, according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, several places are much farther behind.

He says that Wisconsin, North Dakota and Iowa are the farthest behind average.

"Wisconsin is only 31pc dented by September 7; the five-year average is 52pc," Rippey says.

"Even farther behind in North Dakota, 34pc versus 65pc; and in Iowa 50pc versus 82pc."

Rippey says that nationally 11pc of the crop is mature compared to the average of 28pc at this time of year.

"Of particular concern is in the far Upper Midwest," Rippey says.

"We see only 1pc fully mature in North Dakota, 2pc in Minnesota.

"The five-year averages in those two states are 13pc."

Rippey says despite the maturity numbers trailing the averages, the crop condition is relatively stable.

"We saw a shot of rain through the Central Corn Belt associated with the remnants of Hurricane Gustav that certainly helped out in those areas," Rippey says.

"Corn as of September 7 rated 61pc good to excellent and that compares with 61pc last week and last year."