By Andi Anderson
Iowa experienced warm conditions with scattered rainfall last week, allowing farmers an average of 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 1, 2024, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
During this time, farmers were primarily focused on preparing for the upcoming fall harvest and cutting hay.
Topsoil moisture conditions across the state were rated 2 percent very short, 20 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were slightly similar, with 3 percent very short, 19 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.
In terms of crop progress, 94 percent of the corn crop had reached the dough stage, with 61 percent reaching the dent stage, which is 5 days behind last year but only 1 day behind the five-year average.
Corn maturity was reported at 10 percent, which is 2 days behind last year but still ahead of the five-year average. Overall, the corn condition remains strong, with 77 percent of the crop rated as good to excellent.
For soybeans, 95 percent of the crop had set pods, while 18 percent of soybeans were showing signs of coloring, which is 4 days behind last year and 2 days behind the five-year average. Soybean leaves began dropping at 2 percent, with the overall condition of the soybean crop rated at 77 percent good to excellent.
The state's third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 88 percent, running 1 week behind last year but 1 week ahead of the five-year average. Meanwhile, pasture conditions were reported as 64 percent good to excellent.
As farmers continue to monitor weather conditions, their focus remains on maintaining crop quality and preparing for a successful fall harvest.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: Iowa, Weather