Dry weather allowed Iowa farmers to spend more time in the field last week.

According to the latest report from the USDA, farmers had five days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending October 22nd. Despite the extra time, corn and soybean harvest progress remains behind both the previous year and five-year average. Positive news included reports of yield for corn and soybeans that were better than expected. Farmers in the area have been harvesting corn and soybeans, spreading manure, applying fertilizer and starting fall tillage.

Nearly all of the state’s corn crop has reached maturity and beyond, within three days of the annual average. Across the state, 23% of the corn for grain crop has been harvested, the smallest percentage since 2009, and more than two weeks behind the annual average. Moisture content of harvested corn has averaged 20%. Corn condition has been rated 64% good to excellent, 25% fair, 8% poor and 3% very poor.

Nearly a third of the state’s soybean crop was harvested in the last seven days, raising the overall percentage to 61%, but this is still the smallest amount recorded by this date since 2009. Soybean condition is rated 64% good to excellent, 25% fair, 8% poor and 3% very poor.