Corn Belt Harvest Paralyzed by Record September Rainfall

A persistent 'ring of fire' weather pattern has brought record September rainfall to parts of the US Corn Belt, slowing harvest progress in key corn and soybean growing states. According to the USDA's crop condition data released on September 21, some areas recorded their wettest September on record, with Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio among those affected.

Nationally, corn harvest was at 11 percent complete as of September 20, slightly ahead of last year's pace but behind the five-year average. Soybean harvest stood at 8 percent, in line with the five-year average. However, regional divergence is evident: Iowa's own weekly crop report showed corn harvest running behind last year's pace and soybean leaf drop lagging 12 percentage points.

Meteorologists say the pattern effectively splits the Corn Belt in two, with above-normal precipitation expected to continue across western growing areas through October. Eastern regions are likely to see drier conditions in the coming weeks.