Across the Corn Belt, crop maturation and harvest activities are rapidly advancing amid late-season warmth. October 2 featured daily-record high temperatures in locations such as Sioux Falls, South Dakota (93°F), and South Bend, Indiana (87°F). Most (82%) of the U.S. corn was fully mature by October 1, while 86% of the soybeans were dropping leaves. Early Tuesday, showers are just starting to overspread western corn and soybean production areas.
On the Plains, showers and a few thunderstorms are helping to improve topsoil moisture in areas where producers have been awaiting rain before planting winter wheat.
