Precipitation across most of the State, in addition to that received the previous week, limited Iowa’s farmers to 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 5, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting hay, oats and corn silage. Topsoil moisture levels rated 8% very short, 26% short, 63% adequate and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 16% very short, 37% short, 46% adequate and 1% surplus.
Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 97%, four days ahead of the 5-year average. Seventy-seven percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond, three days ahead of normal. Fourteen percent of corn has reached maturity, equal to the 5-year average. Iowa’s corn condition rated 60% good to excellent. Crop damage was reported in the northeast and west central parts of the State from heavy rain, hail and strong winds.
Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 40%, two days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 10%, also two days ahead of normal. Soybean condition was rated 61% good to excellent. Several reporters noted soybeans have benefitted from the recent increased rain.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 88% complete, four days ahead of the 5-year average. Pasture condition was rated 34% good to excellent. No livestock issues were reported for the week.