Soybean harvest passes halfway point, corn hits 40s

DES MOINES — Iowa was cold and damp this week with the northern two-thirds of State receiving above average precipitation, limiting days suitable for fieldwork to 4.2 during the week ending Oct. 15, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn and soybean harvest continued to be the main field activities for the week, although there were some reports of fall tillage and dry fertilizer being applied.

“A large and slow-moving low-pressure system spun several waves of showers and thunderstorms across Iowa during the reporting period,” State Climatologist Justin Glisan said. “Stations across Iowa’s northern half received more than a month’s worth of rainfall. Temperatures were also cooler than average where cloud cover and rain were present; the statewide average temperature was 50.2 degrees, 2.7 degrees below normal.”

Topsoil moisture condition rated 19% very short, 38% short, 40% adequate and three percent surplus across the state. On the same scale, subsoil moisture conditions rated 31% very short, 43% short, 24% adequate and two percent surplus.

Southeast Iowa’s conditions remained more arid, with topsoil moisture ratings 49% very short, 42% short and 9 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture rated 64% very short, 25% short, and 11% adequate for the region.

Virtually all the State’s corn crop has reached maturity. Corn harvested for grain reached 42% statewide, three days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the average. The Southeast region remains slightly ahead, with 45% of its corn harvested for grain.

Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was at 17%, across the state. Average corn condition rated 51% good to excellent.

Soybeans dropping leaves was 98% this week. Soybeans harvested reached 74% across the Hawkeye State, one day ahead of last year and nine days ahead of the average. In Southeast Iowa, just 60% of soybeans have been harvested so far, although 97% are dropping leaves.

Statewide pasture conditions rated 17% good to excellent. Livestock conditions were generally good. Some producers continue to haul hay and purchase hay in preparation for winter, while others have turned cattle out to feed on fields of cornstalks.