Harvest nearly complete, farmers focus on other chores

DES MOINES ? The Iowa Crops and Weather report has been released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. 

?Harvest is nearly complete and most farmers are now focused on fall tillage, fertilizer applications and construction of conservation practices,? said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

Fall tillage and fertilizer applications continue as harvest is nearly complete. Some farmers are delaying anhydrous applications due to concerns of the dry conditions preventing sealing and causing nitrogen losses. More corn stalks have been baled this fall due to concerns about hay supplies.

There were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the past week. Northwest Iowa had the most days suitable with 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork while all other districts had less than 6.0 days suitable. Rains eased moisture concerns slightly. Topsoil moisture rated 29 percent very short, 38 percent short, 32 adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 32 percent very short, 40 percent short, 27 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Grain movement continues to slow, with one-third of the state seeing no grain movement from farm to elevator. With little harvest remaining, 89 percent of the state reports adequate or surplus off-farm storage capacity and 83 percent of the state reports adequate or surplus on-farm storage capacity.

Ninety-five percent of the corn crop has been harvested for grain or seed, just behind 2010?s 97 percent, but 25 percentage points ahead of the normal pace.

Soybean harvest is virtually complete.

Pasture and range condition rated 25 percent very poor, 24 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 17 percent good and 2 percent excellent.

Hay supplies are considered adequate across two-thirds of Iowa with only 11 percent considered in poor condition.

Livestock are enjoying sun and mild temperatures.