Mixed results from this week's crop condition report

It was a very dry week across most of the State which allowed Iowa’s farmers 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 12, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting hay and corn silage. Some reports of old crop corn being moved to town prior to harvest were received. Topsoil moisture levels rated 9% very short, 26% short, 63% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 14% very short, 37% short, 48% adequate and 1% surplus.

Crop maturity advanced across the State. Corn in or beyond the dent stage reached 87%, three days ahead of the 5-year average. Almost one-third of the corn crop has reached maturity, two days ahead of normal. Iowa’s corn condition rated 59% good to excellent. There were scattered reports of corn for grain being harvested. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 67%, three days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 30%, also three days ahead of normal. Soybean condition was rated 62% good to excellent.

There were also a few isolated reports of soybeans being harvested during the week. The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 92% complete, two days ahead of the 5-year average. In some areas of the State farmers were starting on the fourth cutting of hay. Pasture condition was rated 35% good to excellent. In general, livestock has done well in spite of the heat. There were reports of low water levels in creeks and ponds for livestock use.


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