Less than 4% of Southeast Iowa’s corn harvest remains

DES MOINES — Another dry and warmer than normal week statewide led to 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Nov. 19, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting corn, completing fall tillage, applying fall fertilizer, and hauling manure. Reports of tile work being done in fields were received this week.

“A warm and dry weather pattern persisted across Iowa for a second consecutive reporting period as temperatures were up to 12 degrees above normal,” State Climatologist Justin Glisan said. “Preliminary rain gauge data indicates only five stations reported more than a trace of rainfall with 10 days remaining in a particularly dry November.”

Keokuk Municipal Airport’s rain gauge in Lee County set the precipitation record for the week: just 0.04 inches, according to Glisan.

Statewide, the corn harvest is 97% complete, on pace with last year but 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Southeast Iowa was close behind at 96%, while farmers in South Central Iowa still have over 10% of their corn for grain crop remaining to be harvested.

Southeast Iowa’s topsoil moisture condition rated 45% very short, 44% short, 10% adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 52% very short, 38% short, 9 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com