The final 2025 USDA Crop Progress report shows U.S. winter wheat conditions improved last week. Corn harvest reached 96% nationwide as the season closes. This is 4% behind last year’s completion and just 1 point under the five-year average. Nebraska saw a significant 18-point weekly jump but remained 6 points behind its typical pace.

Winter wheat planting is nearly complete at 97%, matching both last year and the five-year average. A few states still lag, including Texas (7% left), Missouri (9%), and Oklahoma (3%). Nationwide, 87% of the crop has emerged. This is just under last year and the five-year average. Kansas, the top producer, is 5 points behind last year, while South Dakota is ahead of its usual pace.

Wheat condition ratings strengthened with 48% of the crop now rated good to excellent. This is up from 45% the previous week but below last year’s 55%. Seventeen percent of the crop was rated poor-to-very-poor. Kansas reports a strong 62% good-to-excellent rating.

A volatile weather pattern will close out the reporting year. Heavy rain in the Southeast, followed by a sharp cold snap, strong winds and heavy snow in northern regions will challenge fieldwork. A major storm late in the week may bring severe weather, blizzard conditions and early dormancy for winter crops heading into December.

Read more from the final USDA Crop Progress report here.