(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa farmers are getting an early start on harvest. Farmers have harvested four-percent of the state's corn crop and seven percent of soybeans. Farmers in northwest and west central Iowa are leading the way with 10-percent of soybeans harvested.
This week's USDA crop report finds corn is rated 42-percent good-to-excellent. The soybean crop is rated 48-percent good-to-excellent.
“Tomorrow marks the official first day of fall and harvest is underway for many farmers across the state,” said Secretary Naig. “The drought monitor has improved in almost every part of Iowa and outlooks through the end of September indicate near ideal conditions that should keep combines rolling.”
This week's USDA Crop conditions report finds 94% of the corn crop in or beyond dent stage, which is more than two weeks ahead of the previous year, and four days ahead of of the 5-year average.
The report states two-thirds of the crop has reached maturity, 3 weeks ahead of last year and over a week ahead of average.
Soybeans coloring or beyond advanced to 90%. That is over 2 weeks ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 48% good to excellent.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 12% very short, 29% short, 56% adequate and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 21% very short, 32% short, 46% adequate and 1% surplus.