The USDA Crop Progress report, released September 8, indicates that Minnesota's corn and soybean crops are advancing steadily into maturity. While weather conditions have been largely supportive, tar spot, southern rust, and Goss's Wilt are adding challenges for growers in some regions.

Agronomists highlight that cooler late-summer temperatures and adequate rainfall have helped preserve crop health and supported grain fill. According to USDA, topsoil moisture is rated 78% adequate and 14% surplus, while subsoil moisture is 77% adequate and 14% surplus. Farmers averaged 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork in early September, down from 6.2 days a year ago.

Minnesota farmers planted 8.5 million acres of corn in 2025, up 300,000 acres from last year. However, tar spot has been confirmed in 25 counties, and southern rust is accelerating senescence in some fields.

• 94% of corn reached the dough stage, near the five-year average.

• 61% dented, slightly behind the 70% average.

• 14% mature, compared to an 18% average.

USDA rated the corn crop 73% good to excellent, closely aligned with national averages. Farmers are preparing equipment as early harvest pressure builds in disease-affected fields.

Soybean acreage fell to 7 million acres, down 400,000 from 2024. Despite this reduction, crop condition is strong:

• USDA rated soybeans 75% good to excellent, higher than the national figure.

• 99% of Minnesota beans are setting pods, ahead of national progress.

• 4% dropping leaves, behind the 16% five-year average.

Agronomists note that harvest is expected to begin within the next two weeks, with early-planted varieties coming out first.

Minnesota's spring wheat harvest is 97% complete, far ahead of the five-year average of 87%. Farmers planted 1.21 million acres this season, slightly down from last year.

Barley also showed strong results, with 97% harvested, well above average. Acreage increased to 40,000 harvested acres, up from 25,000 in 2024.

Oats are nearly finished as well, with 98% harvested compared to a 95% average.

USDA rated Minnesota pastures 62% good to excellent, while only 9% were rated poor to very poor. This stability reflects the season's adequate rainfall and manageable heat stress.

As September advances, Minnesota's crop season is largely on track, but yield outcomes will depend on how disease pressures and late-season weather patterns play out. With the September WASDE report forthcoming, farmers will be closely watching for updated demand and price signals that could influence marketing and harvest decisions.