With 7% of corn acres yet to fully mature and 97% of soybeans dropping leaves, the 2019 harvest season is well underway but still lagging compared with a year ago, according to the USDA’s Oct. 27 Crop Progress report.

As of the past Sunday, 41% of U.S. corn acres have been harvested vs. 61% a year ago and the 5 year average of 61%. Many of the biggest corn producing states remain far behind these numbers, including Iowa with only 26% in the bin, Nebraska with 44% harvested, South Dakota with 14% out of the field.

Overall, the condition of this year’s corn crop improved slightly from a week earlier. Some 58% of corn acres are rated as “good” (47%) and “excellent” (11%). This compares with 56% the week before and 68% a year ago on this date.

The soybean harvest is going a little faster with 62% harvested as of Oct. 27. This continues to lag last year when 69% was in the bin on this date and the 5 year average of 78%. Reportedly, 69% of Illinois soybean crop has been harvested and 66% of Iowa’s acres have been cut.