Iowa’s corn harvest is three weeks ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of average. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this is only the second time in the last 20 years that at least one-quarter of the corn for grain crop was harvested by October 4th. The moisture content of the field corn being harvested for grain was at 20%. In southeast Iowa, 84% of corn is mature and 24% has been harvested.

Statewide soybeans are also ahead of average with 55% harvested. It is the second time in the last 15 years that at least half of the soybean crop was harvested by October 4th. Southeast Iowa soybean harvest is trailing those marks with 85% of soybeans dropping leaves and 32% harvested so far.