The condition of corn in the 18 states that produce most of it has deteriorated due to widespread drought.

The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says 30% of the crop is now considered in poor or very poor condition. A week ago, it was 22%.

Indiana and Illinois have been particularly hard hit.

The USDA said Monday that Indiana's corn is now 61% poor or very poor compared to 50% last week.

In Illinois, 48% of the corn is rated as poor or very poor, compared to 33% last week.

The amount of corn rated good to excellent also is dropping, to 40% this week from 48% a week ago.

Corn surged 31 cents to $7.74 in afternoon trading.