AMENIA, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – “Knee-high by the Fourth of July” has been a saying among farmers in the Midwest for several years.

When corn is at least knee-high by the fourth, it generally means growing conditions have been favorable and farmers could expect a good yield.

In the latest reports, it appears that corn growth has exceeded that. According to the USDA’s crop report, Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 16 fair, 71 good, and 11 excellent. Most other crops including sunflower, flaxseed, barley, sugarbeet, and canola are faring approximately the same.

Below are some photos submitted by Ken Astrup in a field northwest of Amenia, North Dakota. Photos show just how quickly the crop has grown around the state.

As Ken stated, “What a difference a week makes!”