Nebraska farmers begin corn and soybean harvest

By Scout Nelson

Last week’s Super Harvest Moon marked the beginning of the busy harvest season in Nebraska, where farmers are gearing up to bring in their crops. The USDA projects that Nebraska farmers will harvest 9.7 million acres of corn and 5.25 million acres of soybeans this year, alongside other crops like sorghum, sugar beets, dry beans, and peas.

According to the September 16 USDA crop progress report, the first signs of harvest are already visible. As of September 15, 5% of the corn acres and 1% of the soybean acres were harvested.

This progress aligns with the average pace for this time of year. Harvest typically starts in early to mid-September, with 15-20% of the crop harvested by the end of the month. In early October, soybean harvesting speeds ahead of corn.

By the first week of October, about 43% of soybeans are harvested, compared to 23% of corn. The fast pace means that most of the soybean harvest is completed by early November, while corn harvest wraps up by the end of November.

On average, more than 80% of Nebraska’s soybean crop is harvested in October, while 80% of the corn crop is brought in over the six-to-seven-week period between October 1 and November 18.

Harvest time is crucial for Nebraska’s farmers, as it represents the culmination of the growing season and determines their financial success. Farmers hope for favorable weather conditions, minimal equipment breakdowns, and steady progress to ensure a smooth and successful harvest season.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-studio2013