SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Harvest time has begun in the Midwest, but this year's yield fell below expectations after an exceedingly wet and stormy spring and summer. From flood damage to wind damage, crops, especially corn, were impacted greatly this season.
Karen Braun, Meteorologist and Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, explained that compared to last year's record corn yield, this season presented some question marks.
Abundant rain showers during spring had many corn and soybean fields underwater, weakening stalks. Soon after, strong windstorms and tornadoes blew over already weakened crops. Harvesting has been delayed as excess moisture has saturated the ground.
Growers are waiting for crops to dry out to harvest. Braun says, regionally, harvest pacing is beginning to pick up. While overall crop harvest is underwhelming this year, Braun says there are "positive results coming out of those areas" and it's still early. So, as the season continues, she will continue to track crop progress.
While intermittent rain halts harvest, diesel fuel prices continue to climb. Braun explains that now farmers are beginning to limit fall field work that isn't mandatory to cut back on spending. While this doesn't impact the 2026 harvest, there are concerns for next year.
Braun says while this year's harvest underperformed; next season may not breed the same results.
"One tough year doesn't really make a trend," She reassures. "Until we start to see ourselves falling short of demand needs consistently, then that's when we'll know that there's really a problem."