Favorable weather boosts corn and soybean harvest

By Blake Jackson

For the week ending September 29, 2024, there were 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA. The statewide average temperature was 66.4 degrees, 3.7 degrees above normal, while precipitation averaged 1.50 inches, 0.50 inches above normal.

Moisture Levels:

Topsoil moisture was rated 5% very short, 23% short, 69% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 7% very short, 26% short, 66% adequate, and 1% surplus, providing overall suitable conditions for fieldwork.

Crop Progress:

Corn maturity reached 93%, well ahead of the five-year average of 80%. Corn harvested for grain reached 48%, surpassing the five-year average of 31%. Corn condition was rated 2% very poor, 3% poor, 11% fair, 61% good, and 23% excellent.

Soybean progress also showed an early harvest, with 72% of soybeans dropping leaves, compared to the five-year average of 51%. Soybean harvest reached 13%, above the five-year average of 5%. Soybean condition was rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 22% fair, 57% good, and 13% excellent.

Cotton bolls opening reached 84%, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 80%. Cotton harvest was 6%, on par with the five-year average. Cotton condition was rated 3% very poor, 6% poor, 29% fair, and 62% good.

Rice harvest reached 70%, compared to the five-year average of 51%. Winter wheat planting was 5%, ahead of the five-year average of 3%, with 1% of the crop emerged.

Favorable weather conditions and above-average temperatures have boosted harvest progress for multiple crops, helping farmers stay ahead of seasonal averages.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-studio2013