Photo Essay: Corn, Sorghum Harvests Advancing Rapidly

Combines are rolling as the U.S. corn and sorghum harvests are off to the races. Global Update checked in with farmer leaders and commodity organization partners for an update on how the crops are looking as they move from the field to the bin.

Gail Lierer reported harvest is in progress from Okeana, Ohio. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA’s NASS), 15 percent of the U.S. corn crop had been harvested as of Sept. 27, 2020, in line with the average harvest pace for the last five years.

Bob Hemesath captured this rainbow over a corn field near Decorah, Iowa, reflecting the good vibes from USDA’s NASS reporting 61 percent of the U.S. corn crop is rated in excellent to good condition.

USGC Vice Chairman Chad Willis has not yet started corn harvest in Wilmar, Minn., primarily due to rain delays and waiting for the corn crop to further dry down before cutting.

Kansas Grain Sorghum reported sorghum in south central Kansas had a solid stand. Sorghum harvest is just beginning in the state, slightly behind the five-year average at 6 percent harvested statewide. Overall, 29 percent of the U.S. sorghum crop was harvested as of Sept. 27, ahead of the five-year average.

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program sent in a harvest update from Waterloo, Kan., where Zach Simon reported exceptional yields, above-average test weights and great grain quality. Overall, USDA’s NASS rated 61 percent of the Kansas sorghum crop in excellent to good condition.

The Council continues to track crop progress for corn, barley and sorghum throughout the year. These farmer reports add a personal perspective to the weekly crop progress reports issued by USDA’s NASS.

Track these updates and more using the hashtag #harvest20 or by following the Council’s feeds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.