Harvest Update: Overall Soybean Progress Nears Halfway Point

As we near the middle of October, harvest progress on soybeans nearly doubled from last week and corn progress is ahead of the five-year average.

According to USDA’s crop progress report, 34% of corn and 43% of soybeans have been harvested so far. That compares to 29% and 41%, respectively, at this time last year.

Many were able to start on crops in areas that have been slow to dry out.

Some Midwestern farmers report still having areas they haven’t touched. An Indiana farmer shared on Farm Journal’s Crop Comments page that their farm is off to a delayed start with about 5% of acres complete, compared with their operation’s average of 30% at this time of year.

As further progress in the fields is made, the effects of this summer’s drought are being uncovered. A central Iowa agronomist found signs of corn that had a good start to the growing season in June but was faced with drought the rest of the summer.

States that have completed the most acres of corn harvested include North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee. Louisiana and Mississippi have harvested the most soybeans.

Harvest is off to a slow start in Wisconsin and Ohio corn fields, with both states having harvested 9% of their corn acres.

USDA lists the majority of both crops harvested so far in the “fair” and “good” categories, with the amount in the “excellent” category down slightly.

Looking toward the coming week for harvest conditions, BAMWX reports progress might come to a halt. They are tracking a system across the Plains, Midwest and eastern U.S. with potential for heavy rains and strong storms.

Click here to share how harvest is going in your area.

Harvest Update: Corn and Soybean Progress Jumps Ahead

Harvest Update: Are Recent Rains Too Little Too Late?