Soybean Harvest Over 90% Complete in These 5 States

Based on USDA’s most recent Crop Progress report, soybean harvest in five of the 18 top growing states has passed the 90% mark. Here’s a closer look at which states are in the final stretch of soybean harvest, including one state with only 5% of its crop left to run before it wraps the season.

Iowa

USDA reported that Iowa farmers had harvested 91% of their soybean crop by Oct. 20, an increase of 10 percentage points in one week. Considering the five-year average of 76%, harvest progress is 15 percentage points ahead of normal. 

The Hawkeye State’s dry conditions have facilitated the quick harvest, but Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said that upcoming weather could slow progress. “Heading into the last stretch of October, temperatures are expected to remain warmer than average with more chances of precipitation,” said Naig. 

The Secretary welcomed potential precipitation in the midst of spreading drought conditions to “reduce fire risks; get cover crops established; and begin to replenish our soils, streams, and pastures.”

South Dakota

As of Oct. 20, South Dakota was also 91% done with soybean harvest. With that, progress is 14 percentage points ahead of the five-year trend. Last year at this time, 85% of the crop had been harvested.

Of the five states, South Dakota’s soybean harvest progressed the most during the week ending Oct. 20. Considering harvest progress as of Oct. 13 was 77%, farmers’ efforts in the week ending Oct. 20 increased total soybeans harvested by 14 percentage points.

Wisconsin

Based on Monday’s report, soybean harvest progress in Wisconsin reached 93%, an increase of 10 percentage points for the week. This puts the Badger State a striking 32 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Last year at this time, only 65% of the crop had been harvested.

According to the Wisconsin Crop Progress and Condition report, harvest progress continued “despite rainfall spanning from Northwest Wisconsin to Southeast Wisconsin.” Although harvest progress is ahead of normal, production yields aren’t, according to Syngenta Agronomist Nick Groth. “Yields were slightly below average as a whole, especially in the northern part of the state,” said Groth. 

Louisiana

With 94% of its soybean crop harvested, Louisiana is the second closest to wrapping up soybean harvest of all top growing states. Considering the previous week’s data, harvested soybeans increased by 12 percentage points. While last year at this time 97% of the crop had been run, the state is still just ahead of the five year average of 93%.

Complete harvest isn’t far off for Louisiana soybean farmers. Just 2% of the crop had not yet reached maturity as of Oct. 20, according to the Louisiana Crop Progress and Condition report.

Minnesota

Minnesota soybean farmers are the nearest to closing harvest for the season. USDA’s report said that 95% of the crop was harvested as of Oct. 20, an increase of 7 percentage points for the week. 

Considering last year’s harvest percentage of 85% and the five-year average of 81%, Minnesota’s soybean harvest is 10 percentage points ahead and 14 percentage points ahead, respectively. According to the Minnesota Crop Progress and Condition report, that means soybean harvest progress is 11 days ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of the five-year average.