URBANA, Ill. — The 2026 crop harvest is in the rearview mirror of most farmers’ combines, with fall tillage and nutrient applications taking the place of harvesting and hauling grain. Illinois was leading all Midwest states in harvest progress as of Nov. 8, according to the University of Illinois Extension’s Midwest overview of weekly Crop Progress and Condition reports issued by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

“The Illinois corn harvest is wrapping up nicely. Farmers have reached 93 percent harvested, climbing from 86 percent last week and staying two percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 91 percent,” reported Todd Gleason, farm broadcaster for WILL-AG FM radio and a member of the University of Illinois farmdoc team. “Across the Midwest, Illinois leads the corn harvest at 93 percent (completed), followed by Missouri at 89 percent and Kansas and Minnesota tied at 88 percent. Michigan trails at 61 percent, South Dakota is at 68 percent and Ohio is at 69 percent.” 

In addition Indiana’s corn harvest stood at 87 percent complete on Nov. 8 ,according to NASS. This was a full five percentage points ahead of Indiana’s five-year average, representing, along with North Dakota, the largest average increase among the 12-state region. “Meanwhile, weather delays have pushed Iowa and South Dakota 17 points behind their normal pace,” said Gleason. 

The Illinois soybean harvest was virtually complete on Nov. 8, with 96 percent of beans already in hoppers. This is four percentage points above the state average of 92 percent. However, Minnesota farmers were literally done with their soybean harvests, with 100 percent reporting completion. This was followed by North Dakota at 98 percent, Wisconsin at 97 percent, and Illinois tied with South Dakota at 96 percent finished with soybeans. 

In addition, Indiana farmers were 93 percent done with the soybean harvest, and Ohio reported 92 percent of their beans were picked. Kansas was furthest behind, at just 78 percent complete.

Wisconsin was furthest ahead of its five-year average, at six percent, among all states in the region, while Kansas languished in last at minus-six percentage points ahead of its usual pace. Along with Illinois, Indiana farmers were four percentage points ahead of average. 

With favorable working conditions across much of Illinois during the week of November 9-15, many farmers could be seen working on tillage and, in some cases, fall fertilizer applications. The Illinois Corn Growers Association reminded farmers that soil temperatures should read below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of four inches for several days after a cold snap before they begin fall anhydrous ammonia applications. In addition, use of a nitrification inhibitor should be included with fall applications. Soil temperatures for the weekend of Nov. 14-15 were expected to range from 50 degrees in southern Illinois to 44 degrees in far northern counties, according to the Illinois State Water Survey.