Harvest Your Independence Tour
Sponsored by Wyffels Hybrids
Profitability is on the line in 2026 as U.S. farmers roll into harvest. With uncertainty around commodity prices, tariffs, trade, and input costs, this fall is one to watch. Earlier this year, Farm Journal tracked planting progress through the “Plant Your Independence Tour.” Now, we’re back on the road for the “Harvest Your Independence Tour,” following 6 Midwestern growers and stopping at a different farm each week. From planter to combine, farm finances hinge on every pass — and in 2026, every load counts.
Harvest Your Independence Tour
After more than 30 years of farming, Chris Schenk says corn yields are running 15 to 20 bu. per acre above APH, with test weights nearing 61 pounds. But as yields set records, tight grain storage space is now an issue.
Areas in Northern Iowa that missed storms and bad weather saw enough moisture and heat units to see big potential become a reality this harvest season.
Despite a mid-season flash drought and a 10-inch September soaking, Matt McCarthy is seeing near-record yields and better margins — though quality concerns and a race against drydown loom.
Down corn and soggy fields have trimmed yields near Carthage, Ill., but 80 years of field perspective, better board prices and strong bean prospects are keeping spirits up at harvest.
A hot, sunny August accelerated maturity, while timely rain around pollination helped protect some yield potential. But as harvest is now on pause, early results show extreme variability across fields and planting dates.
After a growing season with multiple windstorms, tornadoes and 15" to 20" more rain than normal, Cody White in Maroa, Illinois is seeing corn bushels 25-30 bushels lower than last year.
Mike Madsen’s corn yields at harvest are 20 to 30 bushels over his actual production history (APH), with even the early maturities exceeding expectations.
Corn and soybean harvest is advancing rapidly, thanks to the weather helping crops dry down and opening windows for crews to get into the field.
After a season that started strong and steady, Iowa farmers are facing disappointing corn yields as southern rust and heavy summer rains take a bite out of what could have been record crops.
At the Reints farm in northeast Iowa, corn yields have been running higher than last year, but a lot of yield potential was left in the field due to disease, specifically a rare strain of southern rust.
Plant Your Independence Tour
Farmers might have wrapped up planting at a rapid pace this year, despite cool temperatures and frost concerns, but high fertilizer costs discouraged some from switching soybean acres to corn.
Farmers in Southern Minnesota like Chris Schnek finished planting in record time and as a result planted more corn this year.
Spotty spring rains have slowed planting in southwest Iowa, leaving farmers slightly behind. Despite delays, strong planning, good moisture, and a favorable forecast has Pat Sheldon optimistic for the 2026 crop season.
Former NFL player Cody White applies his athletic experience on the field to rising input costs and market volatility in DeWitt County, Illinois.
The nation’s corn crop is currently 11% planted, sitting 2 points ahead of the five-year average. Although many Illinois farmers are waiting to plant because of wet conditions, much of the latest national crop progress comes from Illinois and Indiana.
Matt McCarthy just started planting this week. He kicks off our Plant Your Independence Tour. Our team will follow 6 Midwestern growers through the planting season and make a stop at a different farm each week.
According to USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report, 74% of the Illinois corn crop is planted, which is three points behind average, but a 20-point jump in just a week. Illinois farmer Brent Johnson says his May planted corn has been his best yielding corn the past few years.
2025 has been a record setting planting season for Mike Madsen and many farmers in Southern Minnesota.
Farmers are poised to climb past the halfway point this week following a slowdown in progress while Illinois planting remains behind the 5-year average.
Despite wet weather, farmers are making serious progress with planting. Here’s an update on how the season is shaping up in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.