MEMPHIS, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Fall harvest is progressing across the country, with 18% of the U.S. corn crop harvested as producers navigate weather, fuel costs and regional differences in harvest pace.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report with a harvest update from the Mississippi Delta region, where he says things are moving quickly compared to other regions across the country stalled by wet weather.
In his interview with RFD News, Williamson said soybean harvest is running ahead of the five-year average in Arkansas and Mississippi, with Arkansas at 61% harvested compared with a five-year average of 35%. Mississippi is at 72%, compared with its five-year average of 55%.
Williamson said favorable weather has helped producers make rapid progress across the region.
Regional Differences Emerge
Williamson said the national corn and soybean harvest remains generally in line with five-year averages, although some areas are lagging.
He pointed to Iowa, Nebraska and other areas farther north as regions where soybean harvest is behind the average pace.
Meanwhile, rice harvest in Arkansas is nearing completion, with 90% harvested compared with a five-year average of 73%.
Williamson said some elevators in the Delta would welcome additional rain to slow harvest, while producers elsewhere are still waiting for conditions to improve.
Grain Stocks Report in Focus
Williamson said the upcoming USDA grain stocks and small grains reports will be closely watched for potential adjustments to supply estimates.
He expects the reports to influence the market but said he does not anticipate a major move based on the data.
Weather will also remain a factor, with additional rain expected in parts of the western Corn Belt and moisture moving north from Tropical Storm Polo.
Williamson said some producers in the western and central Corn Belt are reporting disappointing yields, while other areas are seeing record-type yields.
Diesel Costs Add Pressure
Higher diesel prices remain another concern for farmers, truckers, barge operators and rail shippers during harvest.
Williamson said some producers locked in diesel prices before harvest, which has helped limit the impact for those operations.
But farmers farther north who are just beginning harvest could face more exposure to higher fuel costs as they work through the rest of the season.
“It’s hurting the producer in a big way,” Williamson said.
He said the impact is likely to be greater for producers north of the Mississippi Delta, where more of the harvest remains ahead.
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