By Andi Anderson
Iowa farmers benefited from mostly dry weather this week, which provided 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 25, 2024, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The favorable conditions allowed for continued cutting and baling of hay and preparations for the approaching fall harvest.
Topsoil moisture levels in the state were reported as 3 percent very short, 23 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were similar, with 3 percent rated very short, 20 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.
These conditions suggest that while some areas may experience dryness, the majority of the state has adequate moisture to support crop growth.
Corn progress is slightly behind last year but remains on track compared to the five-year average. Corn in the dough stage reached 90 percent, which is 6 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the average.
Forty-five percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, and 4 percent of the corn is mature. Overall, the corn condition is favorable, with 77 percent of the crop rated as good to excellent.
Soybean development is also progressing, though it lags behind last year's pace. Soybeans setting pods reached 90 percent, which is 9 days behind last year and 3 days behind the five-year average.
Five percent of soybeans have begun coloring, marking progress toward maturity. Similar to corn, soybean conditions are rated as 77 percent good to excellent, indicating healthy crops overall.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay is nearing completion, with 79 percent finished. This progress is 6 days behind last year but still 6 days ahead of the five-year average.
Hay condition remains strong, with 77 percent rated good to excellent. Pasture conditions, however, are slightly less favorable, with 65 percent rated good to excellent. As temperatures rose toward the end of the week, there was growing concern about potential stress on livestock.
Overall, the week’s weather allowed Iowa farmers to make significant progress in their fieldwork, setting the stage for a productive harvest season.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: Iowa, Harvesting, Weather