Final crop progress report of year issued

DES MOINES — The last crop progress and condition report of the year from the USDA Agricultural Statistics Service followed a relatively dry week, with 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Nov. 26, as fertilizer and manure application wrapped up across the state of Iowa.

“The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service would like to thank the many farmers and FSA, NRCS and agribusiness personnel who provided the information for this report each week,” the agency said in a statement. “The new season of Iowa Crop Progress and Condition is scheduled to begin April 1, 2024.”

The report said corn harvesting for grain was “virtually complete,” although some farmers in the southern part of the state were still “running a few combines.” The close-to-completion mark was declared nine days ahead of the five-year average.

For Southeast Iowa, this growing season was marked by a drought that worried many, but ultimately showed a minimal impact on yields, according to state data. Still, the region remains rather as the reporting period ends, with topsoil moisture conditions closing out at 34% very short, 51% short, 14% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions ended at 62% very short, 27% short, 10% adequate and 1% surplus.

Statewide conditions remained more favorable, with topsoil moisture rating 22% very short, 45% short, 33% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions, meanwhile, rated 33% very short, 40% short, 26% adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com