USDA’s latest crop progress report out Tuesday afternoon, delayed one day due to Labor Day, had the agency showing corn harvest data for the first time in 2026. Traders also got an updated glimpse of crop quality data, with corn ratings slipping a point lower and soybeans holding steady from the prior week.
Corn quality ratings were on a slight downward slide this past week, with 56% of the crop now in good-to-excellent condition. An additional 27% of the crop is rated fair (up 1 point from last week), with the remaining 17% rated poor or very poor (unchanged from last week).
Pennsylvania (91%), North Dakota (84%) and Wisconsin (71%) have the highest combined good-to-excellent ratings among the top 18 production states at this time.
Physiologically, 96% of the crop is now at dough stage, versus the prior five-year average of 94%. More than three-fourths (76%) of the crop is now dented, versus the prior five-year average of 72%. And USDA has marked 25% of the crop as now fully mature, up from the prior five-year average of 23%. Initial harvest progress is at 5%, with only seven of the top 18 production states showing measurable results so far.
Soybeans remain steady
Soybean quality ratings held steady this past week, with 58% of the crop still in good-to-excellent condition through Sunday. An additional 29% of the crop is rated fair (unchanged from last week), with the remaining 13% rated poor or very poor (also unchanged from last week).
Iowa (75%), Tennessee (74%) and Wisconsin (60%) are leading the way among the top 18 production states in good-to-excellent ratings so far.
Physiologically, 26% of the crop is now dropping leaves, doubling the prior week’s mark of 13%. That’s also moderately ahead of 2025’s pace and the prior five-year average, both at 20%.
The spring wheat harvest continues to press closer to the finish line, meantime, at 86% completion through Sept. 6. That’s up from the prior week’s mark of 77% and 3 points higher than both 2025’s pace and the prior five-year average.
Click here for additional data points from today’s crop progress report, including a state-by-state look at topsoil and subsoil moisture, days suitable for fieldwork, and more.