#Harvest25: Bumper Corn Harvest Hits 18% Completion Nationwide

Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.

WILL COUNTY, Ill. (RFD-TV)Corn harvest is well underway across the U.S., with 18 percent of the nation’s crop now in the bin—just one point shy of the five-year average. In Illinois, farmers are pushing forward with harvesting through favorable weather, hoping to capitalize on strong early yields despite ongoing cost pressures.

Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share a boots-on-the-ground update.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Kestel discussed the progress of his own operation and compared this year’s progress to previous harvest seasons. He also shared what he’s hearing from other producers in the region, highlighting both successes and challenges so far.

Among the concerns are high input costs, lower commodity prices, and the potential for storage capacity and shipping issues as larger-than-expected yields are harvested.

Kestel wrapped up by giving viewers a look at his family’s farm and the traditions that keep them going through another busy harvest season.

Related Stories
Calling all FarmHers! RFD-TV’s sister network, FarmHer, just announced a new initiative in the works to empower women in agriculture at a one-day event in Iowa this November.
Seven out of the eight major fertilizers saw recent price decreases. However, one key type of fertilizer bucked the overall trend with an 11-percent rise.
The USDA’s latest crop forecast for corn and soybean production will impact U.S. producers as well as make an impact on global trade.
RFD-TV had the privilege to speak with Susan Littlefield, Farm Director at KRVN in Lexington, Nebraska, who shared her unique perspective covering the event over the last 25 years in her work as a dedicated broadcasting professional.
When it comes to Kansas’ “Right to Farm” law, and property rights with respect to road ditch right-of-ways and the common law and trespassing and nuisance — how far can one go without infringing on others? RFD-TV’s Farm legal expert Roger McEowen details a recent opinion by the Kansas Court of Appeals in a case involving a hog farmer, which, he says, is perhaps the most egregious ag nuisance case that has ever gone to an appellate-level court in Kansas.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.
Iowa land values dropped 3% year-over-year. Sen. Chuck Grassley said this discomforting pattern is a harbinger of crisis for farmers, as seen in the 1980s.
Prepare for tighter cash flow, delayed capital buys, and policy-driven risk management this fall.
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
Delaware FarmHER Katie Evans turns “ugly” produce into delicious treats through her nationally recognized brand, The Frozen Farmer
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.