Widespread rainfall across the State resulted in 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 18, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Row crop harvest has begun, and other fieldwork included chopping silage, cutting hay, and seeding cover crops. Producers were also preparing equipment and bins for harvest.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 14% very short, 28% short, 57% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19% very short, 31% short, 49%% adequate and 1% surplus.
Corn in the dent stage or beyond was 93%, 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Forty-two percent of Iowa’s corn crop was mature, 2 days behind last year but equal to the average. Harvest of the State’s corn crop began with 2% complete. Corn condition was 64% good to excellent. Seventy-five percent of soybeans were coloring or beyond, 3 days behind last year. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 30%, almost 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind the 5-year average. Soybean condition remained 63% good to excellent.
Ninety-four percent of the State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay was complete. Pasture condition rose slightly to 34% good to excellent. Some producers have livestock on dry lots due to lack of water in pastures.
Farmers Coop of Forest City Director Randy Broesder believes that it is still too early for most of the area to harvest.
There are one or two areas where the harvest could come in early.
Weather in the area has been stable for the past week, however it will be rather variable this week according to Meteorologist Alan Curtis of the National Weather Service.
The week will see us drop in temperature after a cold front moves through the area.
Being that we are heading into fall like weather, there remains a chance of showers according to Curtis.
