WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. corn harvest is under way, with 6 percent done after a hot summer put the crop's progress ahead of its historic averages, the government said.
As of the week ending Sept. 5, a third of the crop, 33 percent, had reached the mature stage, compared with a five-year average of 19 percent for this week of the season.
Ninety-one percent of the crop is listed in fair to excellent condition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.
The cotton harvest also has started, with 41 percent of the crop at the open boll stage compared with a historic average of 31 percent for this time of year.
Nineteen percent of soybeans have dropped their leaves, putting that crop slightly ahead of its historic average. Ninety-two percent of the soybean crop is listed in fair to excellent shape.
The rice harvest is 43 percent done, far ahead of its five-year average. The spring wheat crop is 76 percent complete, behind its five-year average of 85 percent for this week of the year.
