The USDA says the U.S. corn and soybean harvests made solid advances last week. There was precipitation in parts of the Midwest and Plains, including snow in some northern areas, but overall, conditions allowed for good progress, with more generally dry weather expected this week.
As of last Sunday, 45% of the U.S. corn crop is harvested, compared to the five-year average of 40%, with 94% of the crop mature, compared to 92% on average, and 53% rated good to excellent, down 1%.
63% of soybeans are harvested, compared to 52% on average, and 96% are dropping leaves, compared to the normal rate of 94%, with 57% of soybeans called good to excellent, unchanged on the week.
69% of winter wheat is planted, compared to 68% typically in mid-October and 38% has emerged, compared to 44% on average.
37% of cotton has been harvested, compared to 32% typically this time of year, and 89% of bolls have opened, compared to 87% on average, with 31% of the crop in good to excellent shape, up 1%.
89% of rice is harvested, compared to the five-year average of 90%.
23% of U.S. pastures and rangelands are in good to excellent condition, steady with a week ago.
Editor’s Take:
Despite drought conditions in some areas, overall, harvest is progressing ahead of normal. While yields were not mentioned in this article, many farmers we have talked to in the past week or two are reporting near record yields. However, the yields do diminish closer to drought areas. Needless to say, harvest will be wrapping up in many parts of the country in the next couple of weeks. Once that is accomplished and the machinery is cleaned and winterized, farmers/ranchers will turn their attention to tax time and also to the spring planting and calving season. CAD members can help with both! By investing in a new or qualified used truck, farmers and ranchers can apply the depreciation to lower their current year tax burden. As far as spring planting and calving season, AgPack is just what the doctor ordered. It’s free! It comes with every new or qualified truck purchase or lease. AgPack can save farmers/ranchers thousands through exclusive rebates and discounts. It contains offers on many products they can use in their operation. And, it can be your secret ace in the hole to conquest deals that non-CAD dealers simply can’t compete against!
