Iowa agriculture report of October 2023

By Andi Anderson

The report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service provides information on the agricultural and weather conditions in Iowa for the week ending on October 8, 2023.

Precipitation: Western Iowa received above-average precipitation during the reporting period. However, dry conditions persisted across the eastern two-thirds of the state.

• Days Suitable for Fieldwork: There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork in the state during the week, allowing farmers to continue their field activities.

Crop Progress:

• Corn maturity reached 96 percent, which was 8 days ahead of the previous year and 11 days ahead of the 5-year average.
• Corn harvested for grain reached 30 percent statewide, which was 5 days ahead of the previous year and 6 days ahead of the average.
• Soybeans dropping leaves were at 94 percent, 3 days ahead of the previous year and 5 days ahead of the average.
• Soybeans harvested reached 52 percent, 1 day ahead of the previous year and 1 week ahead of the average.

Crop Condition:

• Corn condition declined slightly to 48 percent rated as good to excellent. Soybean condition was rated at 48 percent good to excellent.

Soil Moisture:

• Topsoil moisture condition was rated as 32 percent very short, 44 percent short, 23 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
• Subsoil moisture condition was rated as 37 percent very short, 43 percent short, 19 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Pasture Condition: Pasture condition was rated at 16 percent good to excellent.

Livestock: Livestock conditions were generally good, but some producers continued to haul hay and water to their livestock on pasture.

• Weather: The week started unseasonably warm, with temperatures reaching the low 90s in some areas. However, temperatures dropped towards the end of the reporting period. Western Iowa received above-average rainfall, while dry conditions persisted in the eastern part of the state.
• Precipitation Totals: Weekly precipitation totals varied across the state, with a range from a trace to 1.85 inches. The statewide average weekly precipitation was 0.34 inches, below the normal of 0.65 inches.
• Temperature: The statewide average temperature for the week was 60.3 degrees, which was 5.7 degrees above normal.

This report provides valuable information for farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Iowa, helping them track crop progress and make informed decisions based on weather and soil conditions.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov