Weekly Crop Report, November 8, 2015

Harvest activities wound down, while fall tillage, tiling, and fertilizer applications continued during the week ending November 8, 2015, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farmers used the 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork to harvest corn for grain, harvest soybeans, and haul and spread manure. Reports of anhydrous application were received, although some farmers are waiting for cooler weather before applying.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 11 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 13 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.

Ninety-three percent of the corn crop for grain has been harvested, 9 days ahead of last year, and 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. There were reports of corn piles on the ground at some ethanol plants and local elevators. Ninety-eight percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, one week ahead of last year.

Grain movement from farm to elevator was rated 51 percent moderate to heavy. Off-farm grain storage availability was rated 78 percent adequate to surplus. On-farm grain storage availability was rated 69 percent adequate to surplus.

Hay and roughage supplies were rated 97 percent adequate to surplus. Livestock conditions were described as good, with reports of calves being weaned and beef cattle gleaning harvested corn fields.

Iowa Dept. of Agriculture