Widespread rainfall across the state resulted in 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sunday, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Row crop harvest has begun, and other fieldwork included chopping silage, cutting hay, and seeding cover crops. Producers were also preparing equipment and bins for harvest.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 14 percent very short, 28 percent short, 57 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19 percent very short, 31 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
Corn in the dent stage or beyond was 93 percent, 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Forty-two percent of Iowa's corn crop was mature, 2 days behind last year but equal to the average. Harvest of the State's corn crop began with 2 percent complete. Corn condition was 64 percent good to excellent. Seventy-five percent of soybeans were coloring or beyond, 3 days behind last year. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 30 percent, almost 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind the 5-year average. Soybean condition remained 63 percent good to excellent.
Ninety-four percent of the State's third cutting of alfalfa hay was complete. Pasture condition rose slightly to 34 percent good to excellent. Some producers have livestock on dry lots due to lack of water in pastures.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said, "Despite widespread rainfall over the weekend, we anticipate unseasonably warm and dry weather will continue through the end of September, setting up ideal conditions as harvest activities ramp up. As we recognize National Farm Safety and Health Week this week, I want to encourage Iowans to keep safety on the roads and in the fields top of mind this harvest season."
Categories: Iowa, Harvesting, Weather