Continued mostly dry conditions across much of Iowa resulted in 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 4th, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting corn for silage, cutting hay, seeding cover crops, and preparing equipment for harvest.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 16% very short, 30% short, 53% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19% very short, 31% short, 49% adequate and 1% surplus. Moisture levels in the Northwest, West Central, Southwest, South Central and Southeast Districts of Iowa continued to be a concern with over 50% of both topsoil and subsoil considered short to very short.
Corn in or beyond the dough stage was 96%. Seventy-one percent of Iowa’s corn crop reached the dent stage or beyond, 3 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the average. Ten percent of the State’s corn crop was mature, 2 days behind last year and the 5-year average. Corn condition remained 66% good to excellent. Ninety-seven percent of soybeans were setting pods. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 20%, 5 days behind last year and 4 days behind the 5-year average. Soybeans began dropping leaves at 2%, one week behind last year and almost a week behind the average. Soybean condition rated 66% good to excellent. Oats harvested for grain neared completion at 96%.
Seventy-six percent of the State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay was complete, 5 days behind average. Pasture condition rated 32% good to excellent. Producers were supplementing short pastures with hay and grain.