The USDA Crop Progress Report reveals that 9% of corn and 6% of soybeans had been harvested as of September 15. The corn harvest continues to outpace the five-year average, while the soybean harvest is also ahead of normal.

Regarding development, 85% of the corn is projected to be dented. That is behind last year’s 88% but ahead of the five-year average of 84%. North Dakota and Minnesota are lagging at 59% and 69% dented. Corn rated as mature came in at 45%.

The USDA estimates that 65% of the corn in fields is in good-to-excellent condition. Iowa and Illinois led the way with 77% of the crop rated good to excellent. Twelve percent of the corn crop was rated very poor to poor.

Soybeans dropping leaves were estimated at 44%. This is behind last year’s 47% but ahead of the five-year average of 37%. Minnesota and North Dakota soybean crops were lagging in maturity.

The USDA estimates that 64% of soybeans still in fields are in good-to-excellent condition. This is ahead of last year at 52% good to excellent. Illinois and Iowa soybeans are rated at 72% and 77% good to excellent, respectively.

Read more about the current crops and harvest kicks into gear here.