The 2024 harvest is proceeding at an average pace, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released Monday. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Combines are rolling in many areas of the state as fields are ready. Though rain this past weekend may have slowed progress for some, harvest will continue ramping up throughout Iowa. The warmer and drier outlook into early October should provide an excellent window of opportunity for many farmers.” Producers had 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 22, with farmers focused solely on bringing in the 2024 crop. The corn harvest advanced to five percent, five days behind last year but even with the average. Mature corn measured 61 percent, five days behind last year but two days ahead of average. Corn conditions held at 77 percent good to excellent. Soybean harvest is now nearly a tenth complete, measuring at 9 percent, which is even with last year and a day ahead of average. Soybeans dropping leaves measured 59 percent, three days behind last year and two days ahead of average. Fall dryness continues to be a concern for next year, as topsoil moisture conditions rated 50 percent short to very short, 49 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 45 percent short to very short, 54 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. The complete report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
