Weekly Iowa Crop Report

Wet conditions in western Iowa kept farmers out of the fields, while warm and dry conditions in the rest of the State marked the beginning of harvest activities for many during the week ending September 27, 2015, according the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, though conditions varied from only 2.5 days suitable in Southwest Iowa to 6.7 days in Southeast Iowa. Fieldwork for the week included cutting hay, chopping silage, harvesting seed corn, corn for grain and soybeans. There was also some tillage of harvested fields. Scattered reports indicate that cover crops are off to a good start, with some emerging.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus.

Seventy-one percent of the corn crop was percent mature, 6 days ahead of last year, but 3 days behind the 5-year average. Five percent of the corn crop for grain has been harvested, a week ahead of last year, but 13 days behind average. Moisture content of all corn being harvested was at 24 percent. Corn condition rated 80 percent good to excellent. Ninety-two percent of soybeans were turning color or beyond, while 72 percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, 4 days ahead of 2014, and 2 days ahead of normal. Seven percent of the soybean crop has been harvested. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay is 29 percent complete, 2 days behind last year and 8 days behind the average. Pasture condition rated 66 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were reported as good.

Iowa Dept of Ag