The U.S. corn and soybean harvests both made significant progress this past week, although each continued to lag the average pace.
Tuesday’s USDA crop progress report – delayed from Monday due to the Columbus Day holiday - showed the nationwide corn harvest at 33% complete as of Sunday, up 10 points from 23% a week earlier but still behind the five-year average of 39%. Meanwhile, the nationwide soybean harvest surged to 46% complete, up 21 points from 25% a week earlier but behind the 50% average.
The Iowa corn harvest advanced to 14% complete from 7% the previous week, still trailing badly behind the state average of 34%. Illinois reached 51% done, up from 36% and ahead of the 44% average. Indiana was 34% harvested, compared to 21% a week earlier and the 34% average.
The Michigan corn harvest advanced to 4% from 2%, well behind the 22% average, while Ohio reached 11%, up from 6% but trailing the 22% average. North Dakota jumped to 23% from 12%, slightly ahead of the 21% average.
Nationally, 91% of the corn crop was mature, up from 83% the previous week and matching the five-year average.
Iowa's soybean harvest jumped to 31% from 5%, trailing the 59% average. Illinois reached 48%, up from 31% and ahead of the 46% average. Indiana advanced to 44% from 27%, slightly ahead of 43% on average.
The Michigan soybean harvest advanced to 27% from 11%, compared to 38% on average, while Ohio gained 20 points to 30% done, versus 40% on average. The North Dakota soy harvest was 60% done as of Sunday, up from 34% the previous week and ahead of 57% on average.
Nationally, 92% of soybeans were dropping leaves as of Sunday, up from 85% the previous week but behind the 94% average.
Corn rated good to excellent improved points to 56%, following an unusually steep three-point decline the previous week. Soybean ratings were unchanged, with 57% of the crop rated good to excellent.
