Corn, Soy, Cotton and Sorghum Harvests All Running Behind Schedule as Wheat Planting Wraps Up

Nov 14, 2018

The United States Department of Agriculture released on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 its latest Crop Progress report for the week of November 5-11, 2018. According to the report, moderate progress was made in both the US corn and soybean harvests, though again both crops continue to lag behind their normal pace of progress.

As of this report, approximately 84 percent of the US corn crop has been harvested, an adjustment of 8 points from the week prior and ahead of last year’s pace at this time by 3 points, but also behind the crop’s normal pace over the five-year average by 3 points as well. In the heart of the traditional Corn Belt, the “I” states are ahead of their typical schedule, with the exception of Iowa, currently at 83 percent complete with its harvest, trailing its average by 5 points. Indiana meanwhile is at 88 percent complete currently, ahead of its average pace by 2 points. And Illinois, 3 points ahead of schedule at 96 percent complete with its corn harvest.

The US soybean harvest is slightly behind schedule as well at only 88 percent complete versus last year’s progress and the five-year average of 93 percent for this time. Since last week’s report, harvesters have gained an additional 5 percentage points in the overall completion of the crop’s harvest.

In cotton country, harvest continued to progress but like corn and soybeans, has fallen behind schedule though slightly worse so. Currently, cotton harvest nationwide is only 54 percent complete, behind last year’s progress of 63 percent and the average progress of 61 percent. Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri lead the way, though, nearly wrapped up with their harvests this year - all above 90 percent complete. Meantime, only 4 percent of the nation still has cotton bolls opening. California, Kansas and Texas the last three states with crops not completely finished with this cycle.

Sorghum harvest also nears completion, now two-thirds of the way done at 73 percent exactly, behind schedule as well by 11 points compared to the average and 8 points behind last year’s progress. Arkansas and Louisiana both fully complete this week in their harvests.

To review the complete USDA Crop Progress report released on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, click here.

Looking at our three-state region across the Southern Plains -

Winter wheat planted in Oklahoma this week, reached 84 percent, down 9 points from the previous year and down 11 points from the average. Winter wheat emerged reached 75 percent, down 10 points from the previous year and down 14 points from the average. Winter wheat’s condition this week rates 21 poor to very poor, 30 fair and 49 good to excellent. Canola planted reached 85 percent, down 5 points from the previous year. Canola emerged reached 52 percent, down 44 points from the previous year. Corn harvested reached 93 percent, down 1 point from the previous year. Sorghum mature reached 95 percent, down 5 points from the previous year. Sorghum harvested reached 75 percent, down 3 points from the previous year and down 6 points from normal. Cotton harvested reached 31 percent, down 16 points from the previous year and down 17 points from normal. Pasture and range condition was rated at 16 percent poor to very poor, 40 fair and 44 percent good to excellent.

Click here to review the complete Crop Progress Report for Oklahoma.

Winter wheat condition in Kansas this week, rated 2 percent very poor, 12 poor, 42 fair, 36 good, and 8 excellent. Winter wheat planted was 90 percent, behind 96 last year and 98 for the five-year average. Emerged was 77 percent, behind 82 last year and 89 average. Corn harvested was 89 percent, near 92 last year, and behind 95 average. Soybeans harvested was 74 percent, behind 90 both last year and average. Sorghum harvested was 62 percent, behind 75 last year and 80 average. Cotton condition rated 1 percent very poor, 8 poor, 37 fair, 44 good, and 10 excellent. Cotton harvested was 19 percent, behind 24 last year and 31 average. Pasture and range conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 8 poor, 40 fair, 45 good, and 5 excellent.

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Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.