The harvesting of U.S. corn and soybean crops is behind schedule compared to last year’s pace and the 5-year average, according to USDA’s Crop Progress report for Oct. 15.

With 90% of corn rated as “mature,” its progress is within shouting distance of last year’s crop (96%) for this date, as well as the 5-year average (94%). But the harvesting pace is significantly behind. As of Sunday, only 28% of U.S. corn acres had been harvested. On this date last year, 44% was in the bin and the 5-year average is 47%

The condition of the corn crop improved only slightly from the previous week and remains well behind the 5-year average. USDA reports that 65% of the corn is in “good” (50%) or “excellent” (15%) condition. The previous week, 64% of the corn was classified as “good” (49%) or “excellent” (15%). The 5-year average is 74% “good” (54%) or “excellent” (20%).

Nearly all of the soybean crop (94%) is in the “dropping leaves” stage, which is comparable to last year’s 94% and the 5-year average of 93%.

As of Sunday, 49% of soybeans had been harvested. This compares with 59% a year ago and the 5-year average of 60% for this date. The condition of the soybean crop was the same as the previous week with 61% “good” (48%) or “excellent” (13%). Soybeans at this point a year ago were 74% “good” (53%) or “excellent” (21%).