Corn and soybean harvest nearly complete; winter wheat condition continues to improve

The United States Department of Agriculture released its 33rd Crop Progress report of the growing season Monday afternoon. These reports run weekly through the end of November and look at the progress and condition of various crops on a national and state-by-state scale.

CORN

As of Nov. 13, 93% of the corn is harvested, ahead of the five-year average of 85%.

In the top 18 growing corn states, corn harvest is over 90% complete in every state besides Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. 

SOYBEANS

Soybean harvest is 96% complete. The five-year average for this point in the season is 91%.

In the top 18 growing soybean states, soybean harvest is over 90% complete in every state besides Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. 

WHEAT

This week, USDA reports 96% of winter wheat has been planted. This is slightly ahead of the five-year average of 93%. Winter wheat's emergence is at 81%, on pace with the five-year average of 81%.

Winter wheat condition is rated 32% good/excellent, up 2% from last week. Thirty-six percent is rated fair. Thirty-two percent is rated poor/very poor, down 2% from last week. Last year at this time 46% was rated good/excellent.

TOP SOIL MOISTURE 

According to USDA, 54% of the top soil in the 48 continental states is short or very short of moisture. This is down from 58% the week before. 

About the report: Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to USDA. The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Most respondents complete the questionnaire on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the Crop Progress Report.