The 2023 corn harvest in Iowa has neared the halfway point, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Crop Progress and Condition Report. Farmers were limited to an average of 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork due to rain for the week ending Oct. 15, with harvest remaining the chief activity. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “The widespread rain is definitely ill-timed yet still badly needed. Though combines are sidelined, and harvest progress is slowed, the rain will have a positive impact on re-charging soil moisture, establishing cover crops, and replenishing pastures.” Nearly 100 percent of the state’s corn crop has reached maturity as harvest topped 42 percent, three days ahead of last year and five days ahead of average. The moisture content of harvested corn was measured at 17 percent, with corn conditions now rated 51 percent good to excellent. Soybean harvest reached 74 percent, a day ahead of last year and nine days ahead of average. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 57 percent short to very short, 40 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 74 percent short to very short, 24 percent adequate, and two percent surplus. The complete report for the week is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
