Heat and dryness fuel Iowa harvest

By Andi Anderson

Iowa experienced another week of hot and dry weather, providing farmers with 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 22, 2024, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The dry conditions allowed for active harvesting of corn and soybeans, although concerns about soil moisture persist.

Topsoil moisture in Iowa was rated at 9 percent very short, 41 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and only 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were similarly strained, with 8 percent rated very short, 37 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

These moisture levels reflect ongoing dry weather, which, while favorable for fieldwork, poses challenges for maintaining optimal soil conditions.

Corn has made significant progress, with 93 percent of the crop in the dent stage or beyond. However, corn maturity reached only 61 percent, five days behind last year but still two days ahead of the five-year average.

Corn harvested for grain was reported at 5 percent, aligning with the five-year average but five days behind last year’s pace. Overall, the corn condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent, showing resilience despite the dry conditions.

Soybeans are also advancing well, with 88 percent of the crop coloring or beyond, which is three days behind last year but two days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 59 percent, again slightly behind last year but ahead of the average.

The soybean harvest reached 9 percent, matching last year’s progress and remaining one day ahead of the average. Soybean conditions were rated 78 percent good to excellent, indicating strong crop health despite the lack of rain.

Pasture conditions, however, continued to decline due to the ongoing dry spell, with only 48 percent rated good to excellent. This reflects the broader impact of limited rainfall on livestock grazing areas, adding to the challenges faced by Iowa farmers during this period.

As the season progresses, Iowa farmers are balancing the benefits of dry weather for harvesting with the need for rain to replenish soil moisture.

The hot and dry conditions are helping crops reach maturity quickly, but consistent moisture will be critical to maintaining healthy fields and supporting continued agricultural success in the state.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix