Harvest was in full swing due to little or no precipitation, allowing farmers 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork across the state during the week ending October 2, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting row crops, chopping silage, and some fourth cutting of hay.

Topsoil moisture condition rose to 17 percent very short, 36 percent short, and fell to 46 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 35 percent short, 42 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Virtually all of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond. Eighty-two percent of Iowa’s corn crop was mature or beyond, one day behind last year, but four days ahead of the average. Harvest of the State’s corn crop reached 11 percent complete, four days behind last year and one day behind the 5-year average. Corn condition dropped to 61 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of soybeans were coloring or beyond. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 80 percent, four days behind last year and one day behind the 5-year average. Soybean harvest reached 26 percent, three days behind last year but one day ahead of the average. Farmers in northwest Iowa led the way with 45 percent harvested, while farmers in south central Iowa have harvested four percent. Soybean condition fell slightly to 61 percent good to excellent.

Pasture condition dropped to 28 percent good to excellent. Water for cows and calves on pasture continues to be an issue in areas of the state, with weaning underway for some livestock producers.