U.S. Corn Harvest Reaches 44%, Behind the Five Year Average of 52%

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest Crop Progress report on October 19, showing that 44% of the corn crop had been harvested as of October 18, compared with the five year average of 52%. Harvesting advanced from 33% the previous week but remained behind the normal seasonal pace, and USDA rated 56% of the corn crop in good or excellent condition, unchanged from a week earlier. Soybean harvesting reached 64%, up from 46% the previous week and slightly below the 65% average, while winter wheat planting was 63% complete compared with an average of 69%.

These figures matter to farmers, grain handlers and agricultural markets because they show how quickly crops are being collected and how planting for the next growing season is progressing. Year ago comparisons are not available because USDA canceled several Crop Progress reports in fall 2025 during the federal shutdown, so the five year average is the benchmark. The data measure fieldwork progress and crop conditions. They do not, by themselves, establish a change in final yields or total production.