According to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly a fifth of Iowa’s soybean crop was harvested last week. Iowa farmers had 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 29. Soybean harvest jumped from nine percent in last week’s report to 27 percent complete, three days ahead of last year and the five-year average. Soybean conditions rated 77 percent good to excellent, with soybeans dropping leaves at 80 percent, two days behind last year but three days ahead of the average. The corn harvest made less significant progress, advancing to 11 percent from five percent last week. Corn conditions rated 77 percent good to excellent as mature corn reached 75 percent, a week behind last year but two days ahead of normal. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “As we head into October, harvest activity will move into high gear with dry conditions expected to continue. Although suitable for harvest, these warm and dry conditions, paired with low humidity and gusty winds, also produce an environment that can lead to field fires. I encourage everyone to be prepared, have a plan, and keep safety top of mind as you are in the field, on the road and around the farm.” Looking at moisture conditions, topsoil rated 59 percent short to very short, 41 percent adequate, and zero percent surplus. Subsoil fared slightly better at 55 percent short to very short, 44 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. The complete report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
