By Andi Anderson
Iowa experienced hot and dry weather conditions throughout the week ending September 29, 2024, giving farmers 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
With these conditions, many farmers made significant progress in harvesting both corn and soybeans.
Topsoil moisture levels were rated as 15 percent very short, 44 percent short, and 41 percent adequate. There was no surplus reported for topsoil moisture this week. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern, with 11 percent rated very short, 44 percent short, 44 percent adequate, and only 1 percent surplus.
Corn in Iowa continues to progress, with 97 percent of the crop now in the dent stage or beyond. Approximately 75 percent of the corn is mature, which is slightly behind last year’s pace by about one week but still two days ahead of the five-year average.
Corn harvested for grain reached 11 percent, which is on par with the five-year average but three days behind last year. Despite the dry conditions, corn quality remains high, with 77 percent of the crop rated as good to excellent.
Soybean progress has also advanced, with 95 percent of the crop coloring or beyond. Soybeans dropping leaves have reached 80 percent, a pace that is just two days behind last year but three days ahead of the five-year average.
Soybean harvesting stands at 27 percent, which is three days ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Like corn, soybean conditions were rated at 77 percent good to excellent.
However, the continued dry weather has affected pasture conditions across Iowa. Pasture quality has deteriorated, with only 44 percent rated as good to excellent. The lack of moisture has led some producers to begin hauling water to their cattle to ensure adequate hydration.
Overall, while dry weather has helped speed up harvesting, it has also created challenges for moisture management, particularly for livestock producers who rely on healthy pastures. Farmers will continue to monitor weather conditions closely as harvest activities progress across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Iowa, Harvesting