DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.
“As we head into October, harvest activity will move into high gear with dry conditions expected to continue,” said Secretary Naig. “Although suitable for harvest, these warm and dry conditions, paired with low humidity and gusty winds, also produce an environment that can lead to field fires. I encourage everyone to be prepared, have a plan, and keep safety top of mind as you are in the field, on the road and around the farm.”
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
Crop Report
Iowa continued to experience hot and dry conditions this week allowing Iowa farmers 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 29, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting both corn and soybeans.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 15 percent very short, 44 percent short, 41 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 11 percent very short, 44 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
Corn in the dent stage or beyond reached 97 percent this week. Corn mature reached 75 percent, 1 week behind last year but 2 days ahead of normal. Corn harvested for grain reached 11 percent, 3 days behind last year but equal to the five-year average. Corn condition remained at 77 percent good to excellent. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 95 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 80 percent, 2 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of average. Soybeans harvested reached 27 percent this week, 3 days ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition continued to deteriorate with 44 percent rated good to excellent this week. With the continued dry conditions, some producers have had to begin hauling water to cattle.
