The rain that crops have been thirsting for this summer has arrived in many states. The timing, however, has slowed recent harvest progress.
According to USDA’s crop progress report, 11% of corn and 7% of soybeans have been harvested so far. That compares to 15% and 12%, respectively, at this time last year.
In several states, such as Wisconsin, that might be due to recent rainfalls.
Macdon is frowning because the beans are too wet, and there's more rain in the forecast. #harvest23 pic.twitter.com/ZWvvq8OdaN
— Caleb Wolters (@justfarmin) September 24, 2023
Others, such as this eastern Iowa farmer, have been impacted by hail.
Beans hailed on September 16th. Hail insurance adjuster is out and figured 33% of the pods cracked open.#harvest23 pic.twitter.com/OOAzJBGDJw
— Joe Dierickx (@joe_dierickx) September 23, 2023
Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas have made the most progress when it comes to corn harvest. Mississippi and Louisiana have harvested the most soybeans.
As for the farmers who have been able to get into the fields, many report low yields in comparison to the past few years – something that has been widely attributed to drought.
This northwestern Ohio farmer shared his fields received about half of the rainfall they typically get in a growing season.
#harvest23 has commenced! Is it better than expected? Sure. Is it 30% off ‘21 and ‘22? Yes. pic.twitter.com/4XZiWcHGrx
— Cody Etter (@Cetter15) September 22, 2023
Another grower based in Nebraska is seeing similar yields. His crops only received light rains around planting and not much since.
Started dryland soybeans today, way worse than expected. Tons of pods but no beans, this is the best bottom in the field. Hills are 2-3 bpa. Field average will likely be less than 5 bpa. 8 acres done and not even filled up to window in grain tank. #harvest23 pic.twitter.com/6yF5DKd8hu
— Nick Shoemaker (@ShoemakerNick) September 20, 2023
USDA lists the majority of crops harvested so far in the “fair” and “good” categories. The amount of soybeans in the “poor” and “very poor” condition categories, however, are slightly higher than 2022.
In the coming week, rain is in the forecast for the Northern Plains, Pacific Northwest and northern Texas. The Eastern Seaboard and Great Lakes areas, however, are expected to be mostly dry.
