Weekly Iowa Crop Report, November 15, 2015

Harvest activities and fall tillage were nearing completion, while some tiling, terracing, and fertilizer applications continued during the week ending November 15, 2015, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork, down nearly a full day from the previous week due to a storm system that moved through Iowa on Wednesday, bringing precipitation and high winds. Activities for the week included harvesting corn for grain, hauling and spreading manure, and anhydrous application.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 8 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 12 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Ninety-six percent of the corn crop for grain has been harvested, 8 days ahead of last year, but equal to the 5-year average.

Grain movement from farm to elevator was rated 43 percent moderate to heavy, down 8 percentage points from the previous week. Off-farm grain storage availability was rated 77 percent adequate to surplus. On-farm grain storage availability was rated 67 percent adequate to surplus.

Hay and roughage supplies were rated 97 percent adequate to surplus. Livestock conditions were described as good, with reports of little stress on livestock with the week’s above normal temperatures.

Iowa Dept of Ag