Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not available this week. However, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) did release its routine weather summary, which was marked by warm, dry weather statewide for the week ending Oct. 5. Favorable conditions helped harvest progress, but the heat and wind did create fire risks, which were seen throughout the listening area over the weekend. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Corn and soybean harvest is in full swing thanks to the warm and dry weather. Showers early in the week may temporarily park some combines, but we welcome the moisture to reduce the dust and fire risks. With forecasts indicating a gradual warm-up this week and above-average temperatures expected to continue through mid-October, we can expect harvest to move along at a good pace.” Summer-like conditions were widespread last week, as temperatures averaged 72 degrees Fahrenheit, nearly 15 degrees above normal.
