Analysts Estimate U.S. Soy Harvest as 73% Complete, Corn 59%

CHICAGO, Oct. 20 (Reuters) – The U.S. soybean harvest was nearly three-quarters complete by Sunday and corn harvesting progressed as well, despite showers that interrupted field work in the eastern half of the Corn Belt, according to a Reuters poll of 11 analysts on Monday.

Farmers were harvesting the biggest U.S. corn crop in history and a bumper soy crop.

On average, the analysts estimated the soybean crop was 73% harvested by Sunday and the corn harvest was 59% complete. Estimates ranged widely from 61% to 82% for soybeans and 51% to 66% for corn.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture normally publishes a weekly crop progress report each Monday afternoon. But due to the ongoing government shutdown, no reports from the agency’s statistical arm were scheduled for release this week. The agency has not released a crop progress report since September 29.

A year ago, the USDA reported that the soybean harvest for the 42nd week of the calendar year was 81% complete, the fastest pace in 14 years, and the corn harvest was 65% complete, a three-year high, as dry conditions helped speed crops to maturity and minimize delays.

Analysts on average rated 63% of the current U.S. corn crop in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 percentage point from the average in last week’s analyst poll.

Farmers continue to plant the U.S. winter wheat crop that will be harvested in 2026. Analysts on average estimated winter wheat planting as 75% complete, up from last week’s average trade estimate of 66%.

All figures in percent: