USDA image

Rain throughout Iowa last week caused many farmers to fall further behind on harvest, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reports that there were only two days suitable for fieldwork, which is the second week in a row Iowa’s had less than three days for fieldwork. Across Iowa 13% of corn for grain has been harvested, the smallest percentage harvested by this date since 2009. Corn harvest is over two weeks behind average. Southeast Iowa is slightly ahead with 25% of corn harvested for grain, but is still behind the five-year average of 41%.

Iowa’s soybean harvest is also behind the five-year average of 66%, with only 32% harvested. Locally, 36% of soybeans have been harvested.