While a few states near completion of this year’s harvest, most major corn-producing states have 20% to 30% of their crops still in the fields, according to the USDA.

Meanwhile, most major soybean-producing states are ahead of their averages, regarding harvest activity.

CORN

As of Sunday, 82% of the U.S. corn was harvested vs. a 69% five-year average. In Illinois, 89% of the crop has been picked. The USDA rated the Nebraska corn harvest at 86% complete.

The Iowa corn crop, as of Nov. 1, 2020, is 87%.

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SOYBEANS

As of Sunday, 87% of the U.S. soybean crop had been cut, above a 83% five-year average. 

WHEAT

In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter wheat crop as 89% planted vs. a 86% five-year average.

Crop progress and condition estimates are based on survey data collected each week from early April through the end of November, according to the USDA report. “The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 3,600 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Based on standard definitions, these respondents subjectively estimate the progress of crops through various stages of development, as well as the progress of producer activities. They also provide subjective evaluations of crop conditions,” the USDA stated in its Monday report.

Most respondents complete their questionnaires on Friday or early Monday morning and submit them to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) field offices in their states by mail, telephone, fax, email, or through a secured internet website. A small number of reports are completed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Regardless of when questionnaires are completed, respondents are asked to report for the entire week ending on Sunday, according to the report.