By Andi Anderson
Iowa’s farmers had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 20, 2024, allowing them to continue their harvest efforts ahead of the five-year average.
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, fall tillage, and applying manure and fertilizer.
However, the dry conditions caused concerns, with field and equipment fires being reported during the harvest.
Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 41 percent very short, 40 percent short, and only 19 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture conditions were similarly low, with 31 percent rated very short, 46 percent short, and 23 percent adequate.
For the second consecutive week, most of the state received no measurable rainfall, exacerbating the dry conditions.
Corn harvest progressed steadily, with 68 percent of the crop harvested—five days ahead of last year and ten days ahead of the five-year average. However, farmers in south-central Iowa remained behind, with only 50 percent of their corn harvested.
The moisture content of harvested field corn was reported at 15 percent. Soybean harvest reached 91 percent, putting farmers one week ahead of last year and nearly two weeks ahead of the average. In northern, west-central, and east-central Iowa, 94 percent or more of soybeans had already been harvested.
The continued dry weather also affected pastures, with the condition falling to just 22 percent rated as good to excellent. Many ponds and creeks are drying up, causing some farmers to move cattle onto corn stalk fields as pastures go dormant.
Despite the challenges presented by drought and fire risks, Iowa farmers remain on track with their harvest, showcasing resilience in the face of difficult conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmaroscar
Categories: Iowa, Harvesting