Harvest 2025 Ahead of Average, But Dry Conditions Raise Fire Concerns
Harvest 2025 continues to move ahead of the five-year average in several key states, fueled by another week of dry weather. While this helps speed up fieldwork, the lack of moisture is increasing fire danger across much of the country.
Conditions in some areas are less severe than in the driest parts of the Midwest. Still, the risk is very real. A farmer from west central Illinois reached out this week to share a sobering reminder.
A farmer reached out to me this week from west central Illinois saying he had two fires in the same day in his soybean field. Due to dry conditions, bean dust coming off the exhaust produced fires.
This highlights the importance of being prepared during harvest.
He recommends a fire extinguisher in all your tractors, trucks, and combines all year long, but especially now during harvest. Good advice.
With so much machinery running in dry fields, fire safety during harvest is critical. Farmers are urged to regularly clean equipment, inspect exhaust systems, and carry fire extinguishers in every vehicle.
Corn Market Holding Range
We also take a look at the corn trade. December corn has remained within a tight range:
December corn has been in a range, basically 4.15, 4.18 on the downside, 4.30, 4.42 on the top. Anything above that 4.40 level, and many analysts suggest producers think about selling.
Many grain analysts suggest that if corn prices push above the $4.40 mark, it might be time to consider forward sales.
Cattle Market Outlook
On the livestock side,
We look for the cattle trade to remain strong in here, although volatile through the end of the week.
Despite some ups and downs, the cattle market is expected to maintain strength, with underlying demand remaining supportive.
As harvest accelerates, stay alert to changing field conditions, manage market opportunities, and prioritize safety. From corn pricing strategies to fire prevention, preparation is key this season.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.