The nation's corn crop continues to mature with 41 percent reaching maturity as of September 14, matching the five-year average but down slightly from last year's 43 percent, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report released Monday.
The 18-state survey, which covers 92 percent of U.S. corn acreage, shows corn harvest is now 7 percent complete nationwide, on par with the five-year average. Texas leads the harvest at 71 percent complete, followed by North Carolina at 59 percent.
Overall corn condition remained stable with 67 percent rated good to excellent, compared to 68 percent the previous week and 65 percent at the same time last year.
For soybeans, 41 percent of the crop is dropping leaves, up significantly from 21 percent the previous week and in line with the five-year average of 40 percent. Harvest has begun with 5 percent complete nationwide, with Louisiana leading at 63 percent harvested.
The report indicates 63 percent of the soybean crop is rated good to excellent, unchanged from last week and slightly below last year's 64 percent.
Cotton bolls are opening at 50 percent nationwide, up from 40 percent last week but just above the five-year average of 49 percent. Cotton harvest stands at 9 percent complete, with Texas leading at 21 percent harvested.
Winter wheat planting for the 2026 crop has begun, with 11 percent planted across the 18 surveyed states, compared to 5 percent last week and the five-year average of 13 percent. Washington state leads planting progress at 50 percent complete.
The weekly survey also indicates 6.4 days were suitable for fieldwork on average across the country, with topsoil moisture rated 56 percent adequate to surplus, down from 61 percent the previous week.
The USDA releases the Crop Progress report each Monday afternoon during the growing season, providing key insights into U.S. agricultural production.
