Weekly Iowa Crop Report, October 16, 2016

Fieldwork was slowed by damp, foggy conditions but farmers were able to make some harvest progress during the 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending October 16, 2016, according the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Many farmers reported waiting for crops to dry down in the field before harvesting and concentrating on corn rather than soybeans. Other activities for the week included fall tillage, manure and fertilizer applications, and seeding of cover crops.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus.

Ninety-seven percent of the corn crop was mature or beyond, 3 days behind last year, but 1 day ahead of the five-year average. Thirty-three percent of the corn crop for grain has been harvested, 4 days behind last year and almost one week behind average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested was at 18 percent. Corn condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of soybeans were dropping leaves or beyond, equal to the five-year average. Sixty-two percent of soybeans have been harvested, 6 days behind last year’s pace.

Pasture condition was rated 62 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were described as good.

Source;  Iowa Dept of Ag