The U.S. corn and soybean harvests made just minor progress this past week, with farmers in the major production state of Iowa making little headway.
Monday’s USDA crop progress report showed the national corn harvest at 18% complete as of Sunday, up only 5 points on the week but still 1 point ahead of last year and on par with the five-year average.
The soybean harvest advanced 5 points nationally as well, reaching 17% complete. That was just below last year's 18% pace but matched the average.
The Iowa corn harvest edged up to 5% complete from 4% a week earlier, well behind 14% last year and the 10% average. For soybeans, the Iowa harvest increased to 3% from 2%, well behind 15% last year and the 17% average.
Farmers in Iowa have been bogged down by overly wet conditions in the state.
Meanwhile, the Illinois corn harvest reached 26% complete as of Sunday, up from 16% a week earlier and ahead of 20% last year and the 17% average. Indiana advanced to 13% from 7%, compared with 15% last year and a 14% average.
Michigan reached 1% harvested, versus 6% last year and a 6% average. Ohio moved to 3% from 2%, below 9% last year and the 7% average. North Dakota doubled to 8% from 4%, compared with 8% last year and a 7% average.
For soybeans, Illinois advanced to 21% from 13%, compared with 19% last year and a 14% average. Indiana reached 14% from 8%, versus 22% last year and a 16% average.
The Michigan soybean harvest jumped to 10% from 2%, compared with 12% last year and a 12% average. Ohio moved to 2% from 1%, versus 19% last year and the 12% average. North Dakota advanced to 22% from 13%, well ahead of 7% last year and the 16% average.
Crop development continued to move rapidly. Nationally, 72% of the corn crop was mature, up from 58% the previous week, compared with 69% last year and the five-year average of 71%.
For soybeans, 75% of the crop was dropping leaves, up from 62% a week earlier. That was just below last year's 76% and equal to the five-year average.
National crop condition ratings were unchanged from the previous week. Corn was rated 57% good to excellent, below 66% a year earlier. Soybeans were rated 58% good to excellent, below 62% last year.
