By Andi Anderson
Iowa farmers experienced cooler temperatures and dry weather across most of the state during the week ending September 8, 2024.
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, these conditions allowed farmers 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork, which included activities such as cutting hay and chopping corn silage.
Moisture levels in the soil showed some variability, with topsoil moisture rated at 3 percent very short, 29 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture conditions were rated similarly, with 4 percent very short, 24 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. These moisture levels indicate that while the soil remains relatively stable, some areas are facing dryness.
In terms of crop progress, 96 percent of Iowa's corn had reached the dough stage or beyond. About 74 percent of the corn crop was in the dent stage, though it lagged 6 days behind last year and 2 days behind the five-year average.
Corn maturity reached 20 percent, trailing 4 days behind last year and 1 day behind the average. However, corn condition remained strong, with 77 percent rated as good to excellent.
For soybeans, 97 percent of the crop was setting pods, while 42 percent had reached the coloring stage, trailing 4 days behind last year and 1 day behind the five-year average. Only 9 percent of soybeans had begun dropping leaves, 4 days behind last year and 3 days behind the five-year average. Soybean condition remained favorable, with 78 percent rated as good to excellent.
In terms of hay production, the state’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 93 percent, which is 8 days behind last year but a full week ahead of the five-year average. Pasture conditions across the state were also rated positively, with 63 percent considered good to excellent.
Overall, while crop progress is slightly behind last year’s pace, Iowa farmers are benefiting from the dry conditions and stable crop health as they continue to prepare for the harvest season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn, Soybeans