Corn 74% Harvested, Soybeans 79%

The USDA says corn harvest advanced last week, while soybean harvest activity is now slower than normal. Weather was mixed in the Midwest and Plains, including heavy late week precipitation in parts of the region.

As of last Sunday, 74% of U.S. corn is harvested, compared to 66% both a week ago and for the four-week average.

79% of soybeans are harvested, compared to 73% last week and 81% on average.

87% of winter wheat is planted, compared to the usual rate of 86%, and 67% has emerged, compared to 68% on average, with 45% of the crop rated good to excellent, down 1% on the week.

45% of cotton is harvested, compared to 48% on average, with 94% of bolls opening, compared to 95% normally, and 62% of the crop is called good to excellent, 2% less than a week ago.

26% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent condition, a week-to-week improvement of 2%.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Interesting weather this year. Several areas emerging from severe drought in the spring to very wet conditions in the fall. Overall, however, the harvest appears to be progressing well and nearly on target with prior years by comparison. We are keeping our fingers crossed for reasonable weather and a smooth finish to the harvest. Once harvest is complete, will you be prepared to invite farmers/ranchers into your dealership for a post-harvest conversation about AgPack or how to help them with lowering their tax burden by purchasing a new truck or two? Now is the time to plan your approach. Maybe host a breakfast or lunch to celebrate the end of harvest. Offer a post-harvest special in your service department, but do something to get the conversation going. Think Beyond Your Lot!