By Andi Anderson
Iowa farmers are making strong progress in the 2024 crop harvest, supported by dry conditions that provided 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 27, 2024.
According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, activities for the week included harvesting corn and soybeans, completing fall tillage, and applying fall fertilizer.
Despite the harvest speed, soil moisture levels remain low across Iowa, with topsoil rated 43 percent very short, 42 percent short, and only 15 percent adequate.
Subsoil moisture is similarly low, with 34 percent very short, 46 percent short, and 20 percent adequate, making at least 75 percent of the state’s topsoil and subsoil short or very short on moisture. These dry conditions are influencing pasture quality and the winter outlook for soil moisture levels.
The corn harvest for grain in Iowa reached 84 percent, putting it nearly a week ahead of last year and about 12 days ahead of the five-year average. Regional differences remain, with South Central Iowa farmers having 34 percent of their corn still in the field, while North Central Iowa farmers have completed 91 percent of their harvest.
The moisture content of field corn being harvested currently stands at 14 percent, indicating dry conditions ideal for storage and reduced drying costs.
Soybean harvesting is nearly complete across Iowa, with 96 percent of the crop harvested, marking substantial progress compared to average yearly timelines.
Pasture conditions are also impacted by the dry weather, with only 19 percent rated good to excellent. Cooler temperatures, shorter daylight, and ongoing dryness have contributed to the dormancy of pastures across the state, increasing the need for supplemental feed for livestock.
With the harvest progressing quickly and soil moisture remaining critically low, Iowa farmers are focused on maximizing yield outcomes while preparing for potential moisture challenges in the coming seasons.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmaroscar
Categories: Iowa, Harvesting