Crop Progress: Soybean Harvest in Final Phase

Oct 30, 2024

For the week ending Oct. 27, 2024, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 48% very short, 36% short, 16% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 44% very short, 36% short, 20% adequate and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:

Corn harvested was 79%, ahead of 72% last year and 67% for the five-year average.

Soybeans harvested was 94%, ahead of 89% last year, and near 91% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 9% very poor, 20% poor, 37% fair, 31% good, and 3% excellent. Winter wheat emerged was 81%, behind 93% last year and 90% average.

Sorghum harvested was 71%, ahead of 65% last year and 66% average.

Dry edible beans harvested was 96%, equal to last year, and near 95% average.

Pasture and Range Report:

Pasture and range conditions rated 37% very poor, 26% poor, 24% fair, 12% good, and 1% excellent.

Source : unl.edu

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.