Corn Harvest Wraps Up in Top 3 States as USDA Crop Progress Reports End

USDA released its final Crop Progress report of the season on Nov. 25, closing the page on what was an eventful and even record-setting harvest season for many states. Here’s a final look at where corn harvest stands in the nation’s top three corn growing states.

Iowa

Corn harvested for grain in Iowa is “virtually complete,” according to the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released Nov. 25. According to USDA, despite just 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork, corn harvest in Iowa reached 98% the week ending Nov. 24. That’s two points ahead of the five-year average of 96%.

In his comments on the state’s report, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said, “We give thanks for yet another bountiful harvest across Iowa, despite many challenges including a wet spring, a dry fall, and some challenging severe weather. Record or near record yields and production for both corn and soybeans, combined with commodity prices not keeping up with costs, amplifies the continual need to build and expand markets locally, domestically and internationally.” 

“As Iowans gather around the table this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to think about the farmers that made that meal possible and the work they do every single day,” said Secretary Naig. “We have much to be thankful for here in Iowa. We are truly blessed to live in the greatest state in the greatest nation, and to be a part of Iowa agriculture.”

Nebraska

“In Nebraska, the last 5% of corn harvest takes the longest,” said Travis Gustafson, a Syngenta agronomist covering central and western Nebraska. “Some growers will leave it in the field and harvest as needed for feed for livestock. Others may have encountered other operational challenges during harvest that prevented them from completing the job.” 

USDA said that Nebraska farmers had 5.3 days and 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork the week ending Nov. 24 and the week before that, respectively. 

The last reported percentage for corn harvested in Nebraska was 97% the week ending Nov. 17, according to USDA. That was ahead of the five-year average of 93%. “Overall, we are ahead of prior years at this point in November,” said Gustafson, “so I would anticipate calling it a wrap on corn harvest around December 1.” 

Illinois

As for Illinois, the last reported percentage for corn harvest progress was 97% for the week ending Nov. 10, according to USDA. 

In last year’s final report of the season (week ending Nov. 26, 2023), USDA said that Illinois’ corn harvest progress had reached 99%. Considering that, along with the fact that corn harvest progress this year has been ahead compared to last year almost all season, it’s a fair estimate that Illinois’ corn harvest is essentially wrapped up at this point.

Wyffels Agronomy Manager Ryan Gentle, based in Marietta, Illinois, said the post-harvest activities of tillage and anhydrous application are in full swing in the state.