The 2023 harvest reached measurable levels in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report. Producers had an average of 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sept. 17, including harvesting corn and soybeans and the fourth alfalfa cutting. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “With harvest ramping up in parts of Iowa, weather outlooks are hinting at warmer temperatures and greater chances of rain into early October. It’s National Farm Safety and Health Week, and throughout harvest, I encourage all Iowans to keep safety in the field and on the road top of mind.” Corn in the dent stage or beyond was 96 percent this week, six days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the five-year average. Sixty-three percent of the state’s corn crop has reached maturity, eight days ahead of both last year and normal. Corn harvested for grain reached five percent statewide, roughly one week ahead of both last year and the average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was at 22 percent. Corn condition improved slightly to 48 percent good to excellent. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 86 percent, six days ahead of both last year and the average. Soybeans dropping leaves or beyond was 52 percent this week, six days ahead of last year and five days ahead of normal. Three percent of the soybean crop has been harvested. Soybean condition also rose slightly to 47 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 79 percent short to very short, 20 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 80 percent short to very short, 19 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. The full report is available at www.nass.usda.gov.
