Mixed fieldwork conditions impact 2024 harvest

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending September 8, 2024, farmers had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Moisture levels for topsoil and subsoil were mixed, with topsoil rated 15% very short, 37% short, 46% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 12% very short, 40% short, 46% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Corn conditions showed a range of quality. The crop was 96% in the dough stage, close to 97% last year and the five-year average. The dented stage was at 83%, similar to 86% last year and 81% on average. Mature corn reached 30%, trailing behind 36% last year but close to the 26% average. Harvest was at 1%, consistent with both last year and the average. Corn condition ratings included 4% very poor, 8% poor, 21% fair, 45% good, and 22% excellent.

Soybean conditions were also variable. The crop was rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 25% fair, 50% good, and 15% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 24%, well behind 47% last year and 33% average. Winter wheat planting was at 7%, near 6% last year and 5% average.

Sorghum showed a better performance with 0% very poor, 4% poor, 19% fair, 50% good, and 27% excellent. Sorghum coloring was 89%, ahead of 80% last year and 74% average, with 8% mature, close to 12% last year and 11% average.

Dry edible beans were 94% setting pods, equal to last year and near the 97% average. The condition was 1% very poor, 3% poor, 20% fair, 49% good, and 27% excellent. Beans dropping leaves were at 49%, ahead of 37% last year and 44% average, with 5% harvested, near 2% last year but behind 11% average.

Pasture and range conditions were rated 5% very poor, 24% poor, 32% fair, 29% good, and 10% excellent, reflecting the varied impact of recent weather conditions on different crops and fields.

Photo Credit:usda