Harvest activity for most major U.S. crops and winter wheat planting all advanced over the recent reporting period, with another mixed round of weather in most of the Midwest and Plains.
The 2026 U.S. corn and soybean harvests got closer to the finish line. Recent data featured another wide range of weather for key U.S. growing areas, allowing for good progress in parts of the region, but keeping producers out of the field in other portions.
The USDA says 81% of U.S. corn is harvested, compared to the five-year average of 86%, as the bulk of the focus remains on soybeans, which are now 92% harvested, compared to 91% on average.
Variable weather has also been an issue for winter wheat.
89% of the crop is planted, just behind most recent years, and 76% has emerged, ahead of the typical rate, with 49% of winter wheat rated good to excellent, up 5%.
94% of cotton bolls are opening and 71% are harvested, both faster than normal.
70% of sorghum is harvested, compared to 85% on average.
The USDA’s national crop progress and condition numbers are scheduled to run through the end of the month.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
The end of harvest season marks the beginning of tax planning and looking ahead to 2027. With higher commodity prices back in September and record government payments for insurance claims, as well as crop losses in the past year, farmers will be looking to strategically purchase items to help boost their efficiency and productivity in the coming year. They will also be seeking ways to legally lower their tax burden. That’s where you can use section 179 of the IRS code to your advantage. Section 179 allows 100% depreciation of assets in the year purchased. That, coupled with programs like AgPack®, is a very powerful sales tool. Use it to your advantage with farm/ranch customers.
