U.S. corn, soybean harvest paces stay in single digits, USDA says

Wet conditions have slowed the U.S. corn and soybean harvests, according to the USDA.

Meanwhile, the crop ratings have changed little since last week's report.

CORN

In its report, the USDA's estimate of corn with a good/excellent rating is 61%, equal to a week ago.

As of Sunday, 8% of the U.S. corn was harvested vs. a 10% five-year average. In Illinois, 4% of the crop has been picked vs. an 11% five-year average.

The USDA rated the Nebraska corn harvest at 10% complete vs. a 4% five-year average.

The Iowa corn crop, as of Sept. 20, 2020, is 4% harvested vs. a 2% five-year average.

Meanwhile, 95% of the nation's corn is in the dent stage vs. a 90% five-year average.

The USDA has pegged the U.S. corn as 59% mature, above a 49% five-year average.

SOYBEANS

USDA reported that 59% of the U.S. soybean crop is dropping leaves vs. a 50% five-year average.

In its report, the USDA estimates the soybean good/excellent rating at 63%, equal to a week ago.

As of Sunday, 6% of the U.S. soybean crop had been cut, equal to a five-year average.

In Iowa, 7% of the soybean crop is out of the fields, compared with a 2% five-year average. For Nebraska, 10% of the soybeans have been cut vs. a 4% five-year average.

In Illinois, 1% of the soybeans have been harvested compared with a 4% five-year average.

WHEAT

In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter wheat crop as 20% planted vs. a 19% 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.