Measureable snowfall and rain limited Iowa farmers to 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 25, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Although fieldwork was limited, activities reported included baling corn stalks, applying fertilizer and manure, and fall tillage.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 11% very short, 29% short, 56% adequate and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 18% very short, 35% short, 45% adequate and 2% surplus.
Over three-quarters of Iowa’s corn for grain has been harvested, more than 3 weeks ahead of last year and 2 weeks ahead of average. Statewide, the moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained at 16%. Farmers in northwest Iowa have only 8% of their corn for grain remaining to be harvested while farmers in south central Iowa still have over 50% to be harvested.
Only 6% of Iowa’s soybean crop remains to be harvested, 3 weeks ahead of last year and just over 2 weeks ahead of average. Farmers in northwest, north central, west central, and central Iowa have 3% or less of their soybeans remaining to be harvested. In contrast, farmers in the southern one-third of the state have at least 14% of their soybeans yet to be harvested.
Pasture condition rated 18% good to excellent, down 2 percentage points from last week. Cattle producers continue to supplement hay and water supplies. Some cows are grazing on corn stalks.