Iowa Crop Progress & Weather Report

By Andi Anderson

Colder than normal temperatures but dry weather led to 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 5, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting corn and soybeans, completing fall tillage, applying fall fertilizer, baling stalks, and hauling manure.

Weather Conditions:

• The week was characterized by colder than normal temperatures and dry weather.
• Measurable precipitation was reported only at northern and southeastern stations.
• Unseasonably cold conditions were observed, with temperatures significantly below normal.
• Gusty northwesterly winds and overcast skies contributed to daytime temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s.
• A widespread killing freeze was reported as temperatures dropped into the upper teens in the northwest and mid-30s in the southeast.
• Spotty snow showers occurred in northern Iowa, with several stations measuring at least a trace of snowfall.
• Halloween trick-or-treaters faced temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s.
• Clear conditions and light winds allowed morning lows to drop into the 20s and low 30s.
• A warm front lifted north across Iowa, leading to a range of afternoon temperatures.
• Light rain showers formed in southeastern Iowa as a weak low-pressure center moved across the state.

Crop Progress:

• Corn harvested for grain reached 91 percent statewide, which is a day ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. The moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was at 16 percent.
• Soybeans harvested reached 99 percent, on pace with last year and 9 days ahead of the average.
• Other fieldwork activities included completing fall tillage, applying fall fertilizer, baling stalks, and hauling manure.

Soil Moisture Conditions:

• Topsoil moisture conditions were rated as follows: 15 percent very short, 40 percent short, 44 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
• Subsoil moisture conditions were rated as follows: 27 percent very short, 43 percent short, 29 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Livestock:

• Reports included calves being weaned and cattle being turned out onto stalk fields.

Temperature Data:

• The statewide average temperature for the week was 36.5 degrees, which is 7.5 degrees below normal.
• The highest temperature reported during the week was 64 degrees, and the lowest temperature was 11 degrees.

Precipitation:

• Weekly precipitation totals were generally low, with most stations reporting no accumulation or very minimal amounts. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.03 inches, significantly below the normal of 0.56 inches.

The report provides an overview of the weather conditions and progress in crop harvesting in Iowa during the specified week.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-brian-brown