The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its 23rd Crop Progress Report of the 2025 growing season, offering the first official figures for this year's corn harvest while providing critical updates on soybeans, winter wheat, spring wheat, and oats. As of September 7, early harvests and fluctuating crop conditions are shaping a complex picture for U.S. agriculture.

Corn harvesting has begun in earnest across eight states, with an average 4% of the national crop harvested, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 3%. However, this is just behind last year's 5% at the same time. Texas leads with 69% of its crop harvested, followed by:

• North Carolina: 44%

• Tennessee: 28%

• Kentucky: 18%

• Missouri: 9%

• Illinois & Kansas: 2% each

• Indiana: 1%

Despite early activity, the broader corn crop remains in mixed condition. 68% is rated good to excellent, down one point from the previous week. Meanwhile, 23% is fair and 9% is poor or very poor.

Crop development remains near historical norms:

• 95% in the dough stage (5-year average: 95%)

• 74% in the dent stage (5-year average: 75%)

• 25% matured (5-year average: 25%)

Across the 18 top soybean-producing states, 97% of soybeans have set pods, consistent with the five-year average. However, only 21% have begun dropping leaves, slightly behind the 22% norm.

The crop's condition has also deteriorated:

• 64% good/excellent (down 1 point)

• 26% fair

• 10% poor/very poor

This dip in quality raises concerns about yield outcomes as the harvest approaches.

As attention turns toward the 2026 crop year, winter wheat planting is underway in 10 of the top 18 producing states. The USDA reports 5% completion, just under the five-year average of 6%.

In the six spring wheat-producing states, 85% of the crop has been harvested, slightly above the five-year average of 84%. Weather conditions and earlier maturity supported a timely harvest in most regions.

In the nine major oat-producing states, 94% of the crop is harvested, just a point shy of the five-year average (95%). Oats have maintained steady progress with relatively stable conditions throughout the season.

As the harvest season accelerates, attention now turns to commodity prices, input costs, and supply chain readiness. With corn and soybean conditions slightly slipping, market volatility could intensify. Meanwhile, winter wheat planting decisions may hinge on input price trends and soil moisture levels.

Producers, co-ops, and ag investors will be watching closely as the next USDA reports reveal more about yield expectations and harvest pace. Early indicators suggest a harvest shaped by regional disparities, calling for precision in management and marketing strategies.