By Andi Anderson
Iowa's harvest season is in full swing, with warmer temperatures and mostly dry conditions leading to significant progress in the past week. However, forecasts are indicating the possibility of widespread rainfall across the state, which may impact harvest activities in the coming days.
The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that despite above-average precipitation in western Iowa, the state still had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending October 8, 2023. The primary field activities during this period included the ongoing harvest of corn and soybeans.
The report provides an overview of the moisture conditions for topsoil and subsoil. Topsoil moisture was rated as 32 percent very short, 44 percent short, 23 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were rated as 37 percent very short, 43 percent short, 19 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
Corn maturity reached 96 percent during the week, which is 8 days ahead of the previous year and 11 days ahead of the 5-year average. The harvest of corn for grain reached 30 percent statewide, ahead of both the previous year and the average. The moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was reported at 19 percent. The overall condition of corn declined slightly to 48 percent rated as good to excellent.
For soybeans, 94 percent of the crop had dropped its leaves during the week, ahead of the previous year and the average. The soybean harvest reached 52 percent, which is 1 day ahead of the previous year and 1 week ahead of the average. Iowa farmers were able to harvest 28 percent of the state's soybeans during the week ending October 8, 2023. The soybean condition was rated as 48 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition was rated as 16 percent good to excellent, and livestock conditions were reported as generally good. However, some producers continued to haul hay and water to their livestock on pasture.
In terms of weather, the first week of October remained unseasonably warm, with temperatures well above normal. Western Iowa received above-average rainfall, while unseasonably dry conditions continued across the state's eastern two-thirds.
Strong southerly winds and sunshine pushed temperatures into the low 90s in many areas, but a strong cold front moved in towards the end of the week, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the state. This front resulted in varied rainfall totals, with western Iowa receiving higher amounts. A cold snap followed, with overnight lows dropping below freezing in some parts of the state.
While the warmer temperatures allowed for significant harvest progress, the forecasted rainfall may temporarily disrupt fieldwork in the days ahead. The weekly report is an essential resource for farmers and agronomists to monitor crop conditions and plan their harvest activities accordingly.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Iowa, Crops