Texas leads the country with 71% of its corn harvested, just below last year's 79% but still 2 percentage points ahead of its five-year average. Corn conditions in Texas are mixed, with 40% rated good and 22% excellent. North Carolina follows with 59% harvested, significantly ahead of its five-year average of 52% and up 15 points from the previous week.

In Tennessee, corn harvest surged to 48%, well above the five-year average of 23% and up sharply from 28% the week prior. Conditions there remain stable, with 39% of corn rated good and 14% excellent.

Kentucky reported 30% harvested, up 12 percentage points from the previous week and outperforming its five-year average by 10 points. The crop condition is solid, with 42% rated good and 8% excellent. Missouri reached 17% harvested, which is 5 points above the five-year average but 6 points behind last year.

Kansas saw harvest activity jump to 10%, an 8-point increase from the previous week. However, that's still 14 points behind last year's pace. The crop condition is notably strong, with 45% rated good and 18% excellent.

In the Midwest, Illinois and Indiana reported modest gains. Illinois stands at 5% harvested, with 43% of the crop rated good and 11% excellent. Indiana is at 6%, up from 1% the previous week, with 49% good and 9% excellent.

Iowa and Nebraska debuted on the harvest map, each with 3% of corn harvested, in line with five-year averages. Iowa shows strong crop ratings, with 59% good and 20% excellent. Nebraska follows closely with 54% good and 24% excellent.

Ohio lags slightly at 1% harvested, compared to 5% last year. Corn quality in Ohio is more varied: 39% good, 7% excellent, but also 15% poor or very poor.

Notably, seven states have not reported any harvest activity: Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Their absence from the data suggests either delayed maturity or varying reporting timelines.

These early figures underscore the role of regional weather patterns, drought conditions, and crop maturity in determining the pace of harvest. According to the September 16 U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of the Midwest and Plains continue to face moderate to severe drought, which could influence both yield and harvest timing.

As harvest ramps up, producers will be closely watching market signals, commodity prices, and input costs, especially in states where progress lags. The USDA's weekly updates remain a key tool for assessing national and regional yield forecasts, insurance triggers, and logistical planning for grain handling.

While early harvest data aligns with historical averages, regional disparities are likely to persist. All eyes will now turn to the Midwest for signs of acceleration in the next two weeks.