US corn harvest has reached 96% completed

HOUSTON (ICIS)–The US corn harvest has reached 96% completion according to the latest US Department of Agriculture (USDA) weekly crop progress report.

The current rate does trail the 99% mark achieved in 2022 but the ongoing pace is above the five-year average of 95%.

The states surveyed by the federal agency for the update are now all above 85% completed on their corn crop except for Michigan at 79% and Pennsylvania at 80%, with both areas having experienced weather issues.

Those challenges could continue for those finishing the last of the acreage this coming week as colder temperatures are spreading across the northern states with some areas having more snowfall over the weekend.

While parts of the US southern crop regions are experiencing not only lower than average temperatures but should also have further rain with some expected to be beneficial across parts that are drought stricken.

The more difficult weather conditions will not only impact the finishing of harvest but also the recent advancement seen for end of the year fertilizer applications.

This was the last crop progress report for 2023 with the USDA set to release the first update of 2024 on April 1.