Harvest of row crops across the state is ahead of the average with 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 23, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting row crops, fall tillage, and applying fall fertilizer. Some field fires were reported last week as a result of dry conditions.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 28 percent very short, 43 percent short, and 29 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture condition rated 28 percent very short, 44 percent short, and 28 percent adequate.

Nearly all of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the mature stage or beyond. Harvest of the State’s corn crop reached 59 percent completion, one day ahead of last year, and eight days ahead of the average. Moisture content of field corn harvested for grain was 18 percent. Corn condition remained at 65 percent good to excellent. Soybean harvest reached 88 percent completion, still 11 days ahead of the average.

Pasture condition was rated 26 percent good to excellent, with dry conditions an issue for cattle.