Weekly Iowa Crop Report, October 18, 2015

Warm, dry, and windy conditions allowed Iowa farmers to harvest nearly one-quarter of the State’s corn for grain during the week ending October 18, 2015, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork, the most days suitable for fieldwork this season. Fieldwork activities for the week included harvesting corn for grain, harvesting soybeans, fall tilling, and spreading manure. Reported concerns for the week included field fires due to the dry, windy conditions, and stalk quality with a few reports of wind damage.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 4 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 13 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus.

Virtually all of the corn crop was mature or beyond this week, one week ahead of last year, and 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Fifty-two percent of the corn for grain has been harvested, nearly 2 weeks ahead of last year, and equal to the average. Moisture content of all corn being harvested was 17 percent, down 2 percentage points from the previous week. Ninety-seven percent of soybeans were dropping leaves or beyond, 2 days behind normal. Eighty-three percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, 10 days ahead of last year, and 2 days ahead of average.

Iowa Dept of Ag and Land