Iowa farmers are getting ready to harvest row crops.
The USDA says corn and soybean producers are repairing equipment and bins ahead of harvest activity, while the corn silage, oat, and hay harvests are ongoing.
As of Sunday, 58% of the corn crop is called good to excellent, with 95% at the dough making stage, compared to the five-year average of 91%, 66% of the crop is at the dent stage, compared to 57% on average, and 6% has reached maturity, matching the normal rate.
60% of Iowa’s soybeans are rated good to excellent and 18% are coloring, compared to 15% on average.
The third cutting of alfalfa is 79% complete, compared to 75% typically in late August, with 31% of pastures and rangelands in good to excellent condition and another 41% in fair shape.
56% of the state has adequate to surplus soil moisture, while 61% of Iowa reports short to very short subsoil moisture levels.
The USDA’s next production update is out September 10th.
