Soybeans Starting to Drop Leaves
Published: Friday, September 25, 2026
Corn and soybean crops are moving steadily toward harvest in Indiana and Michigan, with corn maturity accelerating sharply in both states and soybean harvest beginning to gain ground, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture crop progress report.
In Indiana, 91% of the corn crop was dented as of Sunday, up from 90% a week earlier and ahead of the 84% reported a year ago. The five-year average is 90%. Corn maturity reached 58%, compared with 56% the previous week and 32% last year.
Michigan's corn crop was 89% dented, up from 82% a week earlier and 62% a year ago. The five-year average is 83%. Mature corn reached 72%, compared with 86% a week earlier and just 10% last year.
Despite the advances in maturity, corn harvest remained in its early stages. Indiana farmers had harvested 4% of their corn by Sept. 20, compared with 2% a week earlier and 2% last year. The five-year average is 9%. Michigan reported 2% harvested, compared with none the previous week and none a year ago.
Soybeans also continued to progress. In Indiana, 61% of soybeans were dropping leaves, compared with 57% a week earlier and 43% last year. Michigan reached 82%, up from 41% the previous week and 37% a year ago.
Indiana's soybean harvest reached 8%, up from 2% a week earlier and 3% last year. Michigan reported 4% harvested, compared with 2% a week earlier and none a year ago.
Crop conditions varied between the states. Indiana rated 57% of its corn crop good and 26% excellent. Michigan rated 38% good and 17% excellent.
During the week ending Sunday, there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork in Indiana. In Michigan, there were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork.
The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service released the report on Monday.
Return to Top of Page