The latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows the 2024 harvest officially got underway last week, albeit slowly. For the week ending Sept. 15, Iowa farmers had 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork thanks to hot and dry conditions, with work consisting of chopping silage and harvesting corn and beans. Corn harvested for grain opened at two percent complete. Corn in the dent stage or beyond was at 85 percent, eight days behind last year and two days behind the five-year average. Mature corn reached 41 percent, four days behind last year but two days ahead of the average. Corn conditions held at 77 percent good for excellent. Soybean harvest also began last week, with just one percent of the crop brought in so far. Soybeans coloring or beyond measured 72 percent, three days behind last year but two days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 31 percent, three days behind last year. Soybean conditions rated 77 percent good to excellent. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “The unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions over the past week allowed farmers to chop silage, seed cover crops, top off propane tanks, and make additional harvest preparations. There have also been reports of some harvest activity in pockets of the state, though forecasts are showing chances for widespread rainfall later this week that could temporarily park some combines.” Naig also noted National Farm Safety and Health Week, reminding producers to prioritize caution during one of the busiest times of the year on the farm calendar. Topsoil moisture condition rated 44 percent short to very short, 55 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 38 percent short to very short, 61 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Find the full report online at www.nass.usda.gov.
