Another week of rain and storms kept producers out of the fields much of the week ending September 18, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were only 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork, but farmers in east central and southeast Iowa had over 5.0 days suitable. Activities for the week included chopping corn for silage, seed corn harvest, manure application and cutting hay.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Reporters in the northern third of Iowa noted some fields with standing water.

Ninety-five percent of the corn crop reached the dent stage or beyond, 3 days ahead of the five-year average. Crops are maturing rapidly with 52 percent of corn at the mature stage, 3 days ahead of last year. There were scattered reports of corn for grain being harvested. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Eighty-two percent of soybeans were turning color, 2 days ahead of last year’s pace. Forty-six percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, 4 days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 81 percent good to excellent.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 95 percent complete, two weeks ahead of last year. However, the precipitation made it difficult for some producers to make dry hay. Pasture condition rated 66 percent good to excellent. While moderate temperatures were beneficial for livestock conditions, heavy rains were causing muddy feedlots.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag

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