First, the good news. Many farmers in the Northeast have been pleasantly surprised with higher-than-expected corn and soybean yields coming out of the fields, according the USDA/National Agricultural Statistics Service’s November 5 Crop Progress Report.

While fall-seeded small grains and cover crops got a great start with a wet fall, the not-so-good news is that the strong winds and flooding that hammered New England has brought disappointment. Rain-delayed corn harvests in New York and Pennsylvania are also raising concern. Here’s a closer look at crop status, according to the NASS reports:

• Delaware: Farmers in the First State were close to winding up the corn harvest. But soybean harvest was dampened by coastal winds. Some 51% of the soybean crop had been harvested, compared to 57% last year and 54% for the five-year average. Anticipated more-of-the-same weather and rain predictions were expected to continue to slow soybean harvest.

Barley and winter wheat plantings and emergence were right on schedule, compared to the five-year average — with 71% of wheat planted. Warm weather and adequate soil moisture were expected to get the small grains and cover crops off to a good start.

Hay and forage supplies were rated only 48% adequate and 46% short in Delaware. That could impact prices into winter and early spring.

• Maryland: Crop progress in the Free State was generally running behind last year and the five-year average. Corn harvest hit 83%, compared to 90% for the five-year average. Soybean harvest was 54% complete, compared to five-year average of 63%. Note: both harvest progress numbers will vary considerably from Eastern Shore to central and western Maryland.

Fall grain harvest also slowed progress of small grains planting and emergence, particularly for wheat. As of Nov. 5, only 59% of winter wheat was planted, compared to the five-year average of 81%. As you’d expect, emergence was also behind — only 36%, compared to the five-year average of 64%. Warm weather plus a wet weather front expected over the weekend were anticipated to keep soil moisture levels adequate.

Maryland’s hay and forage supplies were rated better than Delaware’s. Supplies were 79% adequate and only 13% short.

• New England: As reported yesterday in Vermont farmers urged to report wind damage, this region is still coming off damage from last week’s high winds and heavy rain storms.  Many areas were without electricity for days. Farmers reported damaged roofs, vehicles and structures hit by trees, and greenhouses and poly tunnels blown into fields.

Two weeks of rainfall have more than replenished the water table and soil moisture. Some loss in yield and quality is expected for corn and soybean fields with standing water ponds. Some producers also reported having hay fields covered with silt and flood debris.

Now, the first snowfall: White flakes were already in the forecast for this week, which could wind-down fall field activities. NASS reported only corn harvested for silage, which was 93% complete.

Hay and forage supplies going into winter were generally good. Quality of dry “made” hay was rated 9% excellent, 77% good and 1% poor. Dry hay supplies were rated 7% excellent, 81% good, 10% fair and 2% poor. And 77% of pastures fell into the fair or good categories.

• New Jersey: NASS crop data was sparse for the Garden State. But last week’s warm weather moved corn and soybean harvest closer to wrap-up. It extended fall harvest of summer vegetable and fruit crops. But even apple harvest was 98% complete.

Soil moisture levels were all in the adequate to surplus categories. While there were no numbers on fall grain and cover crop plantings, one report indicated cool-season crops, such as spinach, were doing well.

• New York: Rain and still more rain continued to “mud-down” corn harvest in the Empire State. Just how wet is it? NASS rated soil moisture as 60% to 61% adequate and 24% to 25% surplus – with still more rain in the forecast.

While the corn harvested thus far has been described as “positive,” corn silage harvest was still only 92% complete. Harvest of corn for grain reached 24% last week, compared to 50% for the five-year average. This slow progress is beginning to raise concerns over yields and quality.

Soybean harvest reached 72% last week, just 3% off the five-year average. Winter wheat planting and emergence was actually ahead of last year’s report for the same week.

Pasture conditions for New York were rated 21% excellent, 32% good, 23% fair and 16% poor.

• Pennsylvania: Warm but wet weather has dragged Keystone State corn and soybean harvest into November, in part due to late spring plantings. Corn harvested for grain reached 58% last week, compared to a five-year average of 70%. Soybean harvest was a little closer to five-year mark — 74% versus 77%, but down from last year’s 82% progress for the last week of October.

While barley emergence appeared a little ahead of last year, winter wheat plantings and emergence ratings were well off the pace of last year and the five-year average. Wheat plantings reached 80% last week, compared to 96% for last year at this time and 92% for the five-year average. Last week, wheat emergence was rated at 52%, compared to 77% for the five-year average.

Soil moisture rated 85% adequate and 11% surplus last week. That spelled good growing conditions for pastures, which were rated as 2% excellent, 57% good, 27% fair, 6% poor and 8% very poor.

An FSA reporting reminder

If you have forage crops, hay, pasture and small grains, you need to visit your local Farm Service Agency office before Nov. 15 to report those acreages to remain eligible for FSA programs. Contact FSA for an appointment before your visit.