Corn Crop Behind Last Year

USDA reports that so far (Nov. 16) 78% of this year’s U.S. corn crop had been harvested. That’s up 7% from the previous week, but 19% less than a year ago at this time and 16% behind the five-year average. Corn continues to reflect a number of issues faced this year in many of the major U.S. growing areas.

Out of the 18 largest production states, only North Carolina and Tennessee have finished harvesting. From the remaining 16, only Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky and Texas are above 90%. For the dozen under 90%, only two are ahead of average: Michigan and Ohio, and out of the last 10, delays run from 3% (Pennsylvania) to 55% (North Dakota).

For soybeans, harvest is 95% complete, compared to 93% last week, 98% this time last year and the five-year average of 96%. Twelve of the 18 main production states are at 95% to 100% complete. In those six states that are under 95%, Arkansas and Kentucky are ahead of average, while Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina and North Dakota are behind their average paces. ❖