Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig comments on this week’s Crop Progress and Condition report that warmer than average conditions continued last week, while portions of northern Iowa experienced the first sub-freezing temperatures of the season.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service states that despite measurable precipitation across the state farmers had 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Virtually all of Iowa’s corn crop has reached maturity, and 43% of corn for grain has been harvested, one week ahead of the five-year average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was 18%. Corn condition increased by one digit to 63% good to excellent. Soybean harvest reached 70%, one week ahead of the five-year average. Producers in south central Iowa have over half their soybean crop remaining to be harvested while producers in all other districts have at least 52% already harvested. Field activities also included fall tillage and applying fertilizer. Pasture condition was rated 30% good to excellent, with no unusual conditions for livestock reported.