Corn: The Corn Belt remained mostly dry and cold. By week’s end, 89 percent of the corn acreage was harvested, 10 points behind last year and 8 points behind the 5-year average. Harvest was complete in the Southeast and Tennessee Valley, and was nearly complete in the Ohio Valley. However, in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, harvest remained 10 or more points behind the usual pace. Major delays were evident in North Dakota and South Dakota, as producers were reaping their crop 40 and 22 points behind the average, respectively.
Winter Wheat: Emergence of winter wheat had occurred on 92 percent of the acreage, 4 points ahead of last year and 1 point ahead of the 5-year average. Emergence was complete in Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota. In California, Missouri, North Carolina, and Oregon, one-tenth or more of the acreage emerged during the week. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of the winter wheat was rated in good to excellent condition, a 1-point decline from the previous week.
Cotton: Nationally, 73 percent of the cotton acreage was harvested, 7 points behind last year and 3 points behind the 5-year average. Harvest was complete in Arkansas and Missouri, but was 10 or more points behind in California, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Elsewhere, harvest was within 7 points of the usual pace.
Sorghum: By November 23, producers had harvested 88 percent of the sorghum crop, 10 points behind last year and 3 points behind the 5-year average. Harvest was complete in the Delta and nearly complete in New Mexico. Meanwhile, producers in Nebraska and Oklahoma were harvesting 21 and 14 points behind the average pace, respectively.
Other Crops: Sunflower harvest was 85 percent complete, 13 points behind last year and 12 points behind the 5-year average. Harvest was delayed when compared with the normal pace in all producing States, and was farthest behind in South Dakota.
Source: USDA.
