Weekly Iowa Crop Report, October 2, 2016

Warmer and drier weather allowed Iowa farmers 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending October 2, 2016, according the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. While harvest was starting to gain momentum there were many reports of muddy conditions and standing water in some fields. Fieldwork activities for the week included cutting hay, harvesting corn and soybeans, and fall tillage.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus.

Eighty-eight percent of the corn crop was mature or beyond, 2 days ahead of last year, and 4 days ahead of the five-year average. Ten percent of the corn crop for grain has been harvested, 1 day behind last year and 9 days behind average. Corn condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of soybeans were turning color or beyond, equal to both last year and the average. Eighty-five percent of soybeans were dropping leaves or beyond, 4 days ahead of average. Twenty-one percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, 1 day behind last year’s pace. Soybean condition rated 81 percent good to excellent.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay is almost complete at 98 percent. Pasture condition rated 64 percent good to excellent. Livestock were reported to be in good condition except for areas with flooded pastures.

Source;  Iowa Dept of Ag