Spotty precipitation did not slow activities down significantly as Iowa’s farmers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 26, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included spraying for army worms in forages as well as harvesting hay, soybeans and corn. Topsoil moisture levels rated 12 percent very short, 34 percent short, 53 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 17 percent very short, 39 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.
Row crop harvest has begun across the State. Corn in or beyond the dent stage reached 97 percent, four days ahead of the 5-year average. Almost three-quarters of the corn crop has reached maturity, also four days ahead of normal. Corn harvest for grain reached 9 percent statewide, again, four days ahead of the 5-year average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was at 23 percent. Iowa’s corn condition rated 59 percent good to excellent. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 95 percent, five days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 77 percent, four days ahead of normal. Soybeans harvested reached 18 percent, also four days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition was rated 62 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition rated 30 precent good to excellent. Low water levels in some creeks and ponds have been an issue for livestock on pasture.