Moderate rainfall during the last week slowed harvest in some areas as Iowa farmers had an average of 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting row crops, completing fall tillage, applying fall fertilizer, baling stalks, and hauling manure.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 12 percent very short, 35 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 25 percent very short, 42 percent short, 31 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain reached 77 percent statewide, one day ahead of last year and eight days ahead of the five-year average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained steady at 17 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 93 percent, on pace with last year but eight days ahead of the average.

Pasture conditions improved slightly to 20 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were reported as generally good, but getting water to pastured cattle continues to be an issue for some producers.