By Ron Sabatka

Pioneer Farm Manager Coordinator, West

From one weather extreme to another, we move from the upper 90s with about 10 or more days of nighttime temperatures above 70 degrees to rainy and cool conditions this week.

Early harvest has shown solid yields so far. As we know, some of the first fields may have been challenged for some reason or another, so it is a bit early to predict how yields will shake out. During the hot spell, we were experiencing 2 points of moisture drop a day, but this cooler weather will slow dry-down back to a normal level this time of year, around 0.75 to 1.0 points a day. Another tip as we begin evaluating maturity and moisture on corn is that the ear matures and dries from the tip down. Opposite from how pollination occurs, so we make sure to utilize the whole ear when evaluating.

USDA Crop Progress Report summary for September 14, 2026

CROP CONDITION – Percent Good-to-Excellent as of September 13, 2026

U.S. Corn: 57% good-to-excellent (+1%), compared to 67% this week last year and 59% 5-yr average.

U.S. Soybean: 58% good-to-excellent (no change), compared to 63% this week last year and 58% 5-yr average.

CORN PROGRESS – As of September 13, 2026

U.S. Corn Dented was 86% (+10%) compared to 83% this week last year and 84% 5-yr average.

U.S. Corn Mature was 42% (+17%) compared to 39% this week last year and 38% 5-yr average.

U.S. Corn Harvested was 8% (+3%) compared to 7% this week last year and 6% 5-yr average.

SOYBEAN PROGRESS – As of September 13, 2026

U.S. Soybeans Dropping Leaves was 44% (+18%) compared to 38% this week last year and 37% 5-yr average.

U.S. Soybeans Harvested was 6% compared to 5% this week last year and 3% 5-yr average.

WINTER WHEAT PROGRESS – As of September 13, 2026

U.S. Winter Wheat Planting Progress: 8% (+6%) compared to 10% this week last year and 12% 5-yr average.