Soybean, Wheat, and Corn Harvest Insights

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending September 15, 2024, there were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report shows varying moisture levels, with topsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 23% short, 63% adequate, and 7% surplus. Subsoil moisture ratings followed closely, with 7% very short, 22% short, 65% adequate, and 6% surplus.

In terms of crops, soybean conditions rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 30% fair, 55% good, and 7% excellent. Soybean harvest progress lags last year, with 39% of fields dropping leaves, compared to 63% in 2023.

Spring wheat harvest was 88%, keeping pace with last year’s progress and near the five-year average. Durum wheat harvest also made good progress, reaching 89%—well ahead of the 79% recorded last year.

Corn condition rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 25% fair, 57% good, and 8% excellent. Corn dough development was 84%, behind both last year’s 99% and the five-year average of 96%. Corn denting was at 59%, a significant decrease from 81% last year.

Additional crop updates include 95% of canola fields coloring, with 58% of the crop harvested. Sugarbeets rated 77% excellent, with 11% harvested so far, close to last year’s pace.

The USDA report highlights how moisture levels, crop conditions, and harvests continue to fluctuate throughout the season, providing valuable data for farmers, researchers, and consumers.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013