Weekly Iowa Crop Conditions Report

Harvest activities were virtually completed during the week ending November 20, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Although parts of northwest Iowa received snow, activities for the State during the week included harvesting, baling corn stalks, tiling, terracing, hauling and spreading manure, and anhydrous application.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 3 percent very short, 14 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus.

Ninety-eight percent of the corn crop for grain has been harvested, 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Moisture content of all corn for grain being harvested in Iowa was 16 percent. Southwest and south central Iowa were still lagging slightly behind with approximately 8 percent of the corn crop and 5 percent of the soybean crop remaining to be harvested.

Grain movement from farm to elevator was rated 51 percent moderate to heavy, down 4 percentage points from the previous week. Off-farm grain storage availability was rated 63 percent adequate to surplus. On-farm grain storage availability was rated 58 percent adequate to surplus.

Livestock conditions were described as good and many fields have cows out in the corn stalks.

Source;  Iowa Dept of Ag