Southeast Iowa harvest season trends holding true

DES MOINES — Dry and warmer than normal temperatures in Iowa this week resulted in 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 22, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn and soybean harvest continued to be the primary field activities for the week, although there were reports of fertilizer application and fall tillage.

“Temperatures through the reporting period were unseasonably warm across much of Iowa with positive departures up to four degrees in the northwest,” State Climatologist Justin Glisan said. “The statewide average temperature was 52.0 degrees, 2.2 degrees above normal. Rainfall was also sparse with widespread deficits in the 0.40 to 0.60-inch range along with numerous stations reporting no measurable totals.”

Topsoil moisture condition in Southeast Iowa rated 42% very short, 46% short, and 12% adequate. That compares to a statewide average of 16% very short, 38% short, 44% adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture conditions for the region were 60% very short, 29% short, and 11% adequate, as opposed to the statewide ratings of 28% very short, 43% short, 28% adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain reached 64% in Southeast Iowa, staying ahead of the 62% statewide count, which is two days ahead of last year and a week ahead of the 5-year average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained steady at 17% across Iowa.

Soybeans harvested reached 87% across the state, a day ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the average. In Southeast Iowa, the soybean harvest continues to run slightly behind, at 78% complete.

Statewide pasture condition improved slightly to 19% good to excellent. Livestock conditions have been reported as generally good, while getting water to pastured cattle continued to be an issue.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com