News Crop News USDA's harvest numbers come in as expected by the trade In all, the nation’s harvest season is nearing its final stages. By Mike McGinnis Mike McGinnis Mooresville, North Carolina Started as a radio and television broadcaster for 15 years, then began a long career in web and magazine publishing. Has experience in leading grain markets coverage, leading staff and freelance writers in agricultural coverage of the business of farming. Joined Successful Farming in 2005 as Markets Editor. Successful Farming's Editorial Guidelines Published on October 26, 2020 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Iowa Corn U.S. corn farmers are near the three-fourths mark for harvest completion, while soybean cutting is even further ahead, according to the USDA. Meanwhile, most major corn-producing states are ahead of their averages regarding harvest activity. CORN As of Sunday, 72% of the U.S. corn was harvested vs. a 56% five-year average. In Illinois, 80% of the crop has been picked vs. a 76% five-year average. The USDA rated the Nebraska corn harvest at 76% complete vs. a 46% five-year average. The Iowa corn crop, as of Oct. 25, 2020, is 78% vs. a 45% five-year average. SOYBEANS As of Sunday, 83% of the U.S. soybean crop had been cut, above a 73% five-year average. WHEAT In its report Monday, the USDA rated the U.S. winter wheat crop as 85% planted vs. a 80% 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. Corn: agriculture.com/crops/progress-maps/corn-harvest-progress Soybeans: agriculture.com/crops/progress-maps/soybean-harvest-progress Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit