(KIWA Staff Photo)Northwest Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Northwest Iowa largely avoided the heaviest rainfall that fell across much of the state last week, but widespread wet conditions limited fieldwork and slowed harvest progress.
According to the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for September 14th through 20th, farmers had just 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork statewide, compared with 4.9 days during the same week a year ago.
The report shows corn harvest was 4% complete and soybean harvest was 2% complete as of September 20th, both behind last year’s pace.
Northwest Iowa Avoids Heaviest Rainfall
Northwest Iowa generally received lighter rainfall than many other parts of the state. Milford in Dickinson County recorded just 0.05 inch of rain, the lowest total reported in Iowa for the week. Other areas of western Iowa saw higher amounts, but the heaviest rainfall was concentrated in southwestern, central, and eastern Iowa.
Statewide, rainfall averaged 3.57 inches, more than four times the normal weekly average of 0.83 inch. Ainsworth in Washington County received 10.63 inches, the highest total reported in the state.
State Climatologist Justin Glisan said Iowa received more rain during the week than the state typically sees during the entire month of September.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the excessive rainfall created extremely wet conditions across much of the state, making fieldwork difficult and causing flooding in some areas.
Harvest and Crop Development Trail Last Year
Crop development also continued to lag behind last year. 56% of Iowa’s corn crop had reached maturity, seven percentage points behind a year ago. 95% of corn had reached the dent stage, one point ahead of last year, while the 4% harvested was three points behind.
46% percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, 12 percentage points behind last year. Soybean harvest, at 2% complete, was two points behind.
Despite the delays, crop condition ratings remain favorable. 76% of Iowa’s corn crop and 75% of soybeans were rated good to excellent. Pasture conditions were rated 70% good to excellent.
Topsoil moisture was rated:
- 4% short
- 68% adequate
- 28% surplus
Subsoil moisture was rated:
- 2% very short
- 11% short
- 69% adequate
- 18% surplus
Naig said the recent moisture could help establish cover crops even as farmers wait for fields to dry. He added that once fields dry and firm up, Iowa farmers are expected to move quickly into full-scale harvest operations.
