Average rainfall statewide still left Iowa farmers with 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 18 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Row crop harvest has begun, and other fieldwork included chopping silage, cutting hay, and seeding cover crops. Producers were also preparing equipment and bins for harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 14 percent very short, 28 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19 percent very short, 31 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in the dent stage or beyond was 93 percent, 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Forty-two percent of the State’s corn crop was mature, 2 days behind last year, but equal to the 5-year average. Corn condition rose one percentage point to 64 percent good to excellent. With virtually all soybeans setting pods, 75 percent have reached coloring or beyond, 3 days behind last year. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 30 percent, almost 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind the average. Soybean condition remained 63 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-four percent of the State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay was complete. Pasture conditions rose to 34 percent good to excellent. Some producers have livestock on dry lots due to lack of water in pastures.