Widespread rainfall meant Iowa farmers had just 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 2, 2018, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included cutting hay, chopping corn silage, and moving grain.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 4 percent very short, 6 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 6 percent very short, 9 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Much of southern Iowa received multiple inches of rain over the past week, easing moisture concerns in some areas although levels are still mostly short to very short.
Ninety-five percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage or beyond with 77 percent dented or beyond, over a week ahead of both last year and the 5-year average. Fifteen percent of the corn crop was mature, 8 days ahead of average. There were a few reports of corn harvested for grain. Corn condition rated 74 percent good to excellent.
Almost one-third of the soybean crop was coloring with 4 percent dropping leaves. Soybean condition rated 72 percent good to excellent.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 79 percent complete, now over a week behind the previous year as weather conditions allowed for little progress in cutting hay. Pasture conditions improved to 47 percent good to excellent.