Above average temperatures pushed crops towards maturity during the week ending Sept. 28, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included harvesting early corn and soybeans, chopping silage, and harvesting hay.
Topsoil moisture statewide rated 5 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. In west central Iowa, ratings were 1 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels statewide rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. In west central Iowa the ratings were 3 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus.
As a point of interest, statewide topsoil moisture levels one year ago rated 35 percent very short, 40 percent short and 25 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture levels rated 41 percent very short, 39 percent short and 20 percent adequate.
Ninety-six percent of Iowa’s corn crop was in or beyond the dent stage (99 percent in west central IA). Corn mature reached 58 percent (71 percent in WC IA), surpassing last year, but still eight days behind normal. Corn harvest has begun across the state, with 76 percent of the acreage reported in good to excellent condition.
Leaves were turning color on 94 percent of the soybean crop (99 percent in WC IA), equal to the five-year average for this stage for the first time this season. Sixty-five percent of the soybean acreage was dropping leaves (64 percent in WC IA), still three days behind normal. Soybean harvest was underway and 74 percent of the acreage was in good to excellent condition.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 91 percent complete, just more than two weeks behind both 2013 and average. Pasture condition rated 67 percent good to excellent. Little stress on livestock was observed. High manure levels have been reported in some pits and lagoons.
State climatologist Harry Hillaker’s report was not available for release by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Volunteer weather observer John Beltz reported that Jefferson received 1.07 inches of rain during the week that ended at 7 am Sept. 26. Almost half of that (.56 inch) fell on Sept. 20. Beltz reported a high temperature for the week of 82 degrees on Sept. 21, and a low temperature of 45 degrees on Sept. 23.
