By Andi Anderson
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that mostly dry conditions in early September provided Iowa farmers with six full days suitable for fieldwork. Activities across the state included hay cutting, baling, and harvesting of corn silage, though crop disease pressure continues to concern producers.
Soil moisture levels remained stable, with topsoil rated 2 percent very short, 13 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus.
Corn development advanced steadily, with 97 percent of the crop reaching the dough stage. About 80 percent was dented or beyond—five days ahead of last year and on par with the five-year average.
Roughly 26 percent of Iowa’s corn has matured. Crop condition ratings showed 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 23 percent excellent.
Soybeans continued progressing, with 98 percent setting pods. Forty-four percent of soybeans were coloring, slightly ahead of last year but just behind the five-year average.
Eleven percent were dropping leaves. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 18 percent excellent.
Hay production also advanced, with the third cutting of alfalfa reaching 93 percent completion. Pasture conditions remained favorable, with 71 percent rated good to excellent.
Overall, the week brought progress for corn, soybeans, and hay under mostly dry skies, though producers continue monitoring for diseases that could impact yields as harvest approaches.
Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo
Categories: Iowa, Weather