Iowa corn harvest progress stalls due to rain

By Andi Anderson

In Iowa, moderate rainfall slowed down fieldwork during the week ending November 10, 2024. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, farmers in the state had only 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork.

Key field activities for the week included harvesting row crops, completing fall tillage, baling stalks, and applying fall fertilizer and manure. Despite the rain, Iowa’s farmers have made steady progress in the harvest.

Topsoil moisture conditions in Iowa were rated at 12 percent very short, 36 percent short, 50 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture showed similar conditions, with 19 percent rated very short, 45 percent short, 35 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

These moisture levels reflect the recent rains, which have helped but also slowed down the pace of the harvest.

Corn harvest for grain has reached 95 percent across Iowa, putting farmers four days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the five-year average. However, farmers in the south-central part of the state still have over 15 percent of their corn for grain left to harvest.

The moisture content of field corn harvested for grain remained stable at 14 percent, allowing for efficient drying and storage.

Additionally, livestock producers reported muddy conditions in feedlots due to the recent rainfall. As Iowa farmers continue their fall tasks, completing the harvest and maintaining livestock in challenging conditions remain priorities.

This latest update highlights the resilience of Iowa’s agricultural community as they work through the rainy season to ensure a successful harvest and manage their livestock through varying weather conditions.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-wiyadaa