Iowa corn and soybean harvest surge

By Andi Anderson

Iowa farmers made significant progress in harvesting corn and soybeans during the week ending October 6, 2024, aided by dry and windy conditions that provided 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that harvesting was the primary activity across the state, but the dry weather also increased the risk of equipment fires, with multiple reports of combine and machinery fires throughout the week.

Moisture Conditions:

Topsoil moisture levels in Iowa continue to reflect the ongoing dry conditions, with 22 percent rated as very short, 42 percent short, 36 percent adequate, and 0 percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture conditions were similar, with 16 percent rated very short, 44 percent short, 39 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. These dry conditions have created both opportunities and challenges for farmers as they work through the harvest season.

Corn and Soybean Harvest:

Corn maturity reached 90 percent, which is five days ahead of the five-year average, although it remains six days behind last year’s pace. So far, 22 percent of the state’s corn has been harvested for grain, slightly behind last year but still ahead of normal.

The moisture content of the field corn being harvested is currently at 18 percent. Overall, corn conditions are positive, with 77 percent of the crop rated as good to excellent.

Soybean harvesting is also progressing well. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 93 percent, ahead of last year and the five-year average. Soybean harvest has reached 58 percent, four days ahead of last year and a full week ahead of the average.

During the week, Iowa farmers were able to harvest 31 percent of the state's soybean crop. Soybean conditions are strong, with 76 percent of the crop rated as good to excellent.

Pasture and Livestock:

While crop harvesting is progressing well, pasture conditions continue to decline. This week, only 38 percent of pastures were rated as good to excellent, a six-point decrease from the previous week.

Livestock producers are also concerned about declining water resources for their animals due to the ongoing dry conditions.

Despite these challenges, Iowa’s farmers are making strong headway in their harvest efforts, with a productive week behind them and more progress expected in the coming days.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki