Iowa farmers had 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 26, 2018, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included cutting hay, chopping corn silage, harvesting oats for grain, spraying for aphids, and moving grain.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 7 percent very short, 14 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 8 percent very short, 16 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. In spite of recent rains, subsoil moisture levels in south central and southeast Iowa continue to remain critically low with greater than 90 percent rated short to very short.

Ninety-two percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage or beyond, 8 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn dented was at 63 percent, 9 days ahead of last year. Seven percent of the corn crop was mature, 9 days ahead of average. Seed corn harvest has begun. Corn condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of the soybean crop was setting pods with 11 percent coloring, 4 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the average. Soybean condition rated 70 percent good to excellent. Ninety-eight percent of the oat crop has been harvested for grain.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 75 percent complete, 4 days behind the previous year but 1 week ahead of the average. Pasture conditions improved slightly to 43 percent good to excellent. Although pastures in south central and southwest Iowa were able to refresh after receiving much needed precipitation, some producers have been forced to haul water to livestock.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag

More From AM 950 KOEL