The U.S. corn and soybean harvest is nearing completion, while winter wheat planting in the southern Plains remains slow, according to private and industry reports. A Reuters poll estimated the corn harvest at 72% complete. This is behind last year’s 81% but ahead of the five-year average of 64%.

Soybean harvest reached about 84%. This also trails last year’s 89%, yet it exceeds the five-year norm of 78%.

USDA’s weekly crop progress reports remain unavailable due to the government shutdown that began on October 1. This week marks the fourth missed USDA Crop Progress report.

Dry weather in Iowa has supported steady harvest progress. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said many producers in the state are finishing fieldwork following the season’s first hard freeze. Scattered rains may briefly slow operations, but drier, warmer conditions are forecast for November. Iowa State Climatologist Justin Glisan noted that temperatures have moderated after six weeks of unusual warmth.

In Kansas, hard-red winter wheat planting is progressing slowly. Recent rains improved soil moisture but delayed fieldwork. Kansas Wheat Commission Chair Derek Sawyer said planting is about half done in central Kansas, though overall acres may decline because of late corn and soybean harvests. Fall armyworm infestations are also causing localized damage, especially in early grazing wheat fields.

Read more about the corn and soybean harvest and winter wheat planting progress here.