Iowa Crop and Weather Report
DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commented on the Iowa crop progress and condition report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. The report is released weekly from April through October.
“Crops continue to advance towards maturity and farmers are just starting to harvest both corn and beans as conditions allow. As more farmers start harvest it is important everyone working on the farm and driving through rural Iowa keep safety in mind to help make sure we have safe and successful harvest season,” Northey said.
The weekly report is also available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website atwww.IowaAgriculture.gov or on USDA’s site at www.nass.usda.gov/ia. The report summary follows here:
CROP REPORT
Above average temperatures pushed crops towards maturity during the week ending September 28, 2014, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included harvesting early corn and soybeans, chopping silage, and harvesting hay.
Topsoil moisture rated 0 percent very short, 5 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Southwest Iowa was the wettest with over one-third of its topsoil in surplus condition.
Ninety-six percent of Iowa’s corn crop was in or beyond the dent stage. Corn mature reached 58 percent, surpassing last year, but still 8 days behind normal. Corn harvest has begun across the State, with 76 percent of the acreage reported in good to excellent condition. Leaves were turning color on 94 percent of the soybean crop, equal to the five-year average for this stage for the first time this season. Sixty-five percent of the soybean acreage was dropping leaves, still 3 days behind normal. Soybean harvest was underway and 74 percent of the acreage was in good to excellent condition.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 91 percent complete, just over 2 weeks behind both 2013 and average. Pasture condition rated 67 percent good to excellent. Little stress on livestock was observed. High manure levels have been reported in some pits and lagoons.
Source: Iowa Agriculture
More From K92.3
