US Midwest Corn Harvest Begins Amid Variable Crop Conditions

The 2025 corn harvest has officially begun in the United States, with progress reported across several key states including Iowa, Missouri, and others in the top 18 corn-growing regions. Crop conditions show slight declines with 68% of corn and 64% of soybeans rated good to excellent, reflecting a minor dip from the previous week. Corn maturity and development stages are tracking close to the five-year averages, with 95% of corn reaching the dough stage and 74% dented, while 25% of the crop has matured. Harvest progress stands at about 4%, slightly behind last year’s pace but within typical ranges, and soybean development is also on track, with 97% setting pods. Regional reports highlight variability in crop yield and quality, influenced by factors such as southern rust in Missouri and unseasonably cool and wet conditions in parts of Iowa. Despite ongoing harvest activities, producers in Brazil continue to hold significant corn stocks, awaiting better prices amid slower export growth and seasonal market dynamics.