Nearly one-quarter (24%) of U.S. corn acres had been harvested as of Oct. 2. This is the same percentage harvested as of this date in 2015. This is up 9% from last week’s 15% of corn in the bin and slightly behind the 5-year average of 27%.
Soybeans harvested are slightly ahead of corn at this point, with 26% of total acres cut and in the bin so far, but it’s behind last year’s pace when 36% of soybean acres had been harvested by this date. It’s also slightly behind the 5-year average of 27%.
According to USDA, 86% of corn is considered “mature,” up from 82% a year ago and the 5-year average of 79%. Some 73% of corn acres are considered to be in “good” (53%) or “excellent” (20%) condition. This is 1% under the rating last week, when 74% or corn was considered in “good” (54%) or “excellent” (20%) condition.
The ag agency also reported the 83% of soybeans were “dropping leaves” as of Sunday, Oct. 2 vs. 82% last year on this date and the 5-year average of 79%. The condition of U.S. soybeans (54% “good” and 20% “excellent) were slightly better than last week’s 73% (54% “good” and 19% “excellent”). This easily outpaced rating as of Oct. 2, when 48% was rated as “good” and 16% as “excellent.”