#Harvest25: Field Progress Holds Steady in Indiana Despite Lapse in USDA Crop Reporting

Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, shares a snapshot of his state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (RFD-TV) — Despite the lack of updated harvest progress numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week due to the government shutdown, farmers continue to make steady progress in the fields.

Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to provide a snapshot of the state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers across Indiana.

In an interview with RFD-TV News, Dr. Davis discussed how this current harvest compares to previous years, the challenges and surprises farmers have faced this season, and the impact of high input costs and lower commodity prices on their operations. He also addressed concerns about storage capacity and shipping logistics amid expectations for strong yields.

Additionally, Dr. Davis explained how the delayed WASDE report, due to the shutdown, is affecting market outlooks for the state’s producers and offered his perspective on the resilience of Indiana farmers as they navigate these challenges. In closing, he shared what to watch for as the harvest progresses.

Related Stories
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Despite China’s sharp drop in grain purchases this year, new USDA export data this week shows that even some buying activity from the trade giant still moves the markets.
Tim and Sharyn Abbott of the Music City Celebration Sale recap the weekend’s premier auction, which drew top dairy breeders and buyers to Nashville again this year from across North America.
The bill to once again allow schools to offer whole milk and 2% milk will now go to President Trump for approval.
Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.