USDA Report Shows Lagging Harvest Progress for Corn and Soybeans

The latest USDA Crop Progress report, released on October 5, 2026, reveals that the corn harvest is lagging behind the average pace. As of October 4, only 23% of the corn crop had been harvested, compared to the five-year average of 27%. The condition of the corn crop also hit a season low, with just 54% rated as good or excellent, down from 57% the previous week.

Soybean harvest progress is also trailing, with 25% of the crop harvested, below the five-year average of 33%. The condition of the soybean crop saw a slight decline, with 57% now rated as good or excellent, down from 58% the prior week.

Winter wheat planting and emergence are also behind schedule. As of October 4, only 36% of the winter wheat crop had been planted, trailing the five-year average by 10 percentage points. Additionally, only 16% of the winter wheat crop had emerged, compared to the five-year average of 20%.