Drought Pressures U.S. Harvest Season Amid Accelerating Crop Progress

The U.S. harvest season is accelerating, but farmers are still facing significant challenges due to drought and forage shortages.

Pasture and range conditions remain poor across much of the country, with 51% rated as poor or very poor by USDA's latest figures. This has led to increased pressure on livestock producers, who are struggling to find adequate feed for their animals.

In the Great Plains, corn harvest is ahead of schedule in states such as Kansas and Nebraska, but soybean harvest progress is lagging behind normal levels. In Texas, 73% of corn has been harvested, while 75% of sorghum has also been harvested. However, pasture conditions remain severely impacted by drought.

In the Midwest, corn maturity is ahead of schedule in states such as Iowa and Illinois, but soybean harvest progress remains slow. In Ohio, recent rain has strengthened moisture supplies, but fieldwork continues to be slowed by wet conditions.