Widespread rainfall has slowed down harvesting across much of Iowa allowing just 2.7 days of suitable fieldwork this past week according to the latest Crop Progress and Condition report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Field activities, when possible, included harvesting and fall tillage. Seventy percent of Iowa’s corn for grain has been harvested, four days ahead of the five-year average. Only farmers in south central Iowa have more than half of their corn for grain crop remaining to be harvested. There were scattered reports of downed corn due to strong winds. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was 17%. Soybean harvest reached 88%, two days ahead of the five-year average. The southern one-third of the state is behind but farmers in those districts have now harvested close to 75% or more of their soybean crop. There were several reports of soybeans lodging due to the damp weather. Pasture condition was rated 31% good to excellent. No issues with livestock were reported.