Iowa farmers benefited from cooler temperatures and drier conditions last week as crops continue to move toward maturity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report. For the week ending Aug. 24, producers had 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork, primarily harvesting oats and hay. While weather conditions have been favorable for the bulk of the growing season, the wetter-than-usual conditions have led to increased reports of disease in fields. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Farmers across Iowa enjoyed a welcome break from the rain last week along with cooler temperatures and less humidity. As we finish out August, the forecast calls for more of the same this week. Looking ahead, initial outlooks are pointing toward a potentially warmer September as harvest approaches.” Corn in the dough stage reached 88 percent, a day behind last year and three days behind the five-year average. An estimated 45 percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, a day ahead of last year but one day behind average. Corn conditions rated 84 percent good to excellent. As for soybean progress, 90 percent were setting pods, slightly ahead of last year but four days behind normal. Eight percent of soybeans were coloring. Soybeans rated 79 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture measured six percent short to very short, 74 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil measured six percent short to very short, 77 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. The full USDA report for the week is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
USDA: Cooler Weather Facilitates Fieldwork As Harvest Season Draws Nearer
