AMES, Iowa – As of Oct. 22, corn progress nationally was at 59 percent, up 14 percent from the previous week; however, there was a large contrast over the region, according to Dennis Todey, USDA Midwest Climate Hub director.

“States in the central Corn Belt, Minnesota to Missouri, and Illinois, were over 60 percent to over 70 percent harvested,” he told Farm World. “States from Wisconsin to Ohio were in the low 20s. Kentucky was also over 70 percent. The central states were all ahead of the five-year average, while the eastern states were well behind the five-year average.”

He said early-season drought and some cooler conditions slowed crop progress and development in the east.

“Soybeans were at 76 percent harvested, and showed a similar harvest pattern, with some state to state differences,” he said. “Wisconsin was actually ahead on beans, while behind on corn. I would expect good pace on harvest this week (ending Oct. 28), though slowed a bit by rains in areas.”

He said, “There was probably some quicker work trying to beat the current system to get the harvest out.

“Fall seeding of cover crops and winter wheat in the east is slowed because of the slow harvest there,” he said. “Recent rains have probably helped fall germination. The drought was causing serious concerns about germination just a few weeks ago.”

Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, told Farm World, “Eastern Corn Belt states are generally behind the five-year average for corn and soybeans; Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota are leading the charge on soybean harvest, anywhere from 15-16 percent above-average at 87-90 percent complete.”

Todey said, “There are rains passing through much of the central to eastern Corn Belt into this weekend (Oct. 28-29). They could be a little heavier along parts of the Ohio River, with some areas of 1-2 inches of rain possible.

“This is probably slowing harvest progress a bit,” he added. “But for nearly the whole area, the rains are welcomed because of very dry soils. Except for places that do get some of the heavier rainfalls, we don’t expect major slowdowns from the rain.”

In Indiana, rainfall hindered harvest progress for corn and soybeans. Corn for grain harvest progress continued considerably behind the five-year average, with many reporting corn was not drying as quickly as expected. Soybean harvest progress was also behind the five-year average. Winter wheat emergence progress continued behind the five-year average.  

In Illinois, corn harvested reached 70 percent, compared to the five-year average of 67 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 80 percent, compared to the five-year average of 71 percent. Winter wheat planted reached 73 percent, compared to the five-year average of 66 percent. Winter wheat emerged reached 36 percent, compared to the five-year average of 34 percent.

In Michigan, field crop harvest slowed due to another week of wet and cool weather. Corn for grain moisture content at harvest was reported at 27 percent. Corn for silage and dry bean harvest neared completion. Winter wheat planting was largely delayed because of delays in the soybean and dry bean harvest.  

In Ohio, farmers made harvest progress in fields between storms. While soybean harvest progress remained in line with recent year trends, corn harvest progress lagged behind last year. Ninety percent of corn was mature, and 20 percent was harvested. Corn for silage was 97 percent harvested. Sixty-four percent of soybeans were harvested. Winter wheat was 73 percent planted, and 34 percent emerged.

In Iowa, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said, “Warmer and generally dry conditions allowed for harvest to take another big step forward, with soybeans nearing completion. A significant weather system with the potential for widespread rain is expected to move through the state (later in the week), which could idle harvest, but alleviate some of the drought conditions.” Corn harvested for grain reached 62 percent statewide. Soybeans harvested reached 87 percent.

In Kentucky, farmers experienced below-normal temperatures and rainfall. The fall harvest is progressing steadily, with little interruption from rain. However, the state is very dry overall.  

Seventy-nine percent of corn has been harvested. Ninety-five percent of soybeans are coloring, with 84 percent dropping leaves, with 50 percent is now harvested. Winter wheat seeding is 32 percent complete, with 10 percent emerged.

In Tennessee, the state experienced mostly below-normal precipitation and temperatures. As of Oct. 17, the state was in abnormally-dry, to severe-drought conditions. Another week of dry weather has allowed for grain and cotton harvests to progress steadily. However, the dry weather has hampered small grain and fall hay seedings.”

Glisan said, “Outlooks into the second week of November show unseasonably warm temperatures possible across the western Corn Belt through Iowa, and then near-normal temperatures from the Ohio Valley to the East Coast. Precipitation potential looks to be near-normal.”

Todey said looking ahead to the two-to-three week period, there are no strong indications about conditions.

“(It’s) looking more moderate,” he said. “Harvest will be slowed during the rains, but should be able to move more quickly again after. That is good news because of the development and subsequent harvest delays in the eastern Corn Belt. This area is farther behind than the rest of the region.”