POLL — US farmers harvest 44% of soybeans after weather improves, analysts say

CHICAGO, Oct 13 (Reuters) — US farmers have harvested 44% of the nation's soybean crop and 38% of corn, analysts said ahead of the US Department of Agriculture's weekly crop progress report on Tuesday. Reuters polled 10 analysts about harvest progress, crop ratings and winter wheat plantings. Farmers have taken advantage of improved weather conditions to harvest crops after rain delayed progress in late September. Many have focused on harvesting soybeans before corn. The USDA is scheduled to release its report at 3 p.m. CDT (2000 GMT), one day later than usual because of Monday's federal holiday. Last week, farmers had harvested 25% of soybeans and 23% of corn, according to USDA. The USDA on Tuesday is expected to keep its good-to-excellent condition ratings for soybeans and corn unchanged from last week at 57% and 54%, respectively, analysts said. On Friday, USDA projected in a monthly report that farmers will harvest more bushels of corn than previously expected, surprising traders who expected production to decline following unfavorable weather. For winter wheat, USDA on Tuesday is expected to report plantings were 51% complete, analysts said. This would be up from 36% last week