Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey stated on Oct. 19 that warm, dry and windy conditions allowed farmers to harvest approximately one-quarter of Iowa’s corn for grain over the week of Oct. 18. This comes after examining statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Almost all corn crop has become mature in the state, which is one week ahead of last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. About 52 percent of corn for grain has been harvested, which is two weeks ahead of last year. Additionally, 83 percent of soybean crop has been harvested, which is 10 days ahead of 2014.
“The warm dry weather has allowed farmers to make good progress and now 83 percent of soybeans and 52 percent of corn has been harvested,” stated Northey. “Corn harvest is now on pace with the five-year average after previously lagging behind. The dry, windy and warm weather have allowed crops to dry quickly and farmers are encouraged to continue to exercise caution as the conditions exist for fires to start and potentially spread quickly.”
Topsoil moisture levels rated 70 percent adequate, and subsoil level moisture levels were 80 percent adequate. Pasture conditions rated 58 percent “good” to “excellent,” and livestock conditions have been deemed “excellent.” The latest USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service report can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov.