According to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), only a few combines in southern Iowa are still rolling. Farmers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Nov. 26. Field activity is slowing down, focusing primarily on fertilizer and manure applications. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “With this year’s strong harvest nearly complete and the snow beginning to fly, Iowa farmers are looking ahead to next year by considering input choices, conservation practices, and marketing decisions. Following three consecutive La Nina winters, this winter is expected to be impacted by a moderate to strong El Nino, which typically means warmer temperatures and more variability in precipitation. As we head into the 2024 growing season, replenishing soil moisture will be of utmost importance.” Corn harvested for grain was at 99 percent as farmers in southern Iowa wrapped up the 2023 season nine days ahead of the five-year average. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 67 percent short to very short, 33 percent adequate, and zero percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 73 percent short to very short, 26 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. This week’s report marks the final one of the season. The weekly Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report resumes in April 2024.
Few Scattered Reports Of Combines Still Running In Southern Iowa In Weekly USDA Report
