For Immediate Release: Sept. 25, 2018
DES
MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today commented on the Iowa
Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA National Agricultural
Statistical Service. The report is released weekly from April through
November.
“Farmers
made some progress between the showers and rain storms and now 5 percent of
corn and 8 percent of soybeans have been harvested. Heavy rains, particularly
in northern Iowa, created challenges and significantly slowed harvest
progress,” Naig said.
The
weekly report is also available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov or on USDA’s
site at www.nass.usda.gov/ia. The report
summary follows here:
CROP
REPORT
Another
week of storms bringing heavy rainfall to much of the state left Iowa farmers
just 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 23, 2018,
according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for
the week included seeding cover crops and harvesting corn, soybeans and hay.
Topsoil
moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 71 percent
adequate and 25 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 3 percent very
short, 5 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. While
topsoil moisture supplies have improved in south central Iowa, subsoil moisture
levels still rated 62 percent short to very short.
Nearly
all of the corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond with 74 percent of
the crop mature, just over a week ahead of average. Five percent of the State’s
corn for grain crop has been harvested, 5 days ahead of both last year and
average. Farmers in southeast Iowa lead the way with almost one-fifth of their
corn for grain harvested. Moisture content of field corn being harvested was at
22 percent. Corn condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. Ninety-three
percent of the soybean crop was coloring with 72 percent dropping leaves, 1
week ahead of average. Eight percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, 5
days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 72 percent good to excellent.
The
third cutting of alfalfa hay was nearly complete at 97 percent. Pasture
conditions improved slightly to 52 percent good to excellent. Rain and cooler
temperatures have been beneficial for pasture regrowth. Feedlots will need some
time to dry.
IOWA
PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
By
Dr. Justin Glisan, State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship
After an extremely dry week, an active weather
pattern returned, bringing above-average rainfall to most of Iowa. Average
temperatures were also up to 10 degrees above normal. Monday (17th) was
generally quiet and warm until thunderstorms raced across northern Iowa during
the late afternoon. Some storms turned severe; large hail and high winds were
reported in Hancock County. Sioux City (Woodbury County) recorded 2.29 inches
of rain. On Tuesday (18th) thunderstorms were widespread with heavy rain over
northern Iowa. Spencer (Clay County) reported 3.04 inches, 2.92 inches above
normal. Nearly 15 stations recorded rainfall above 2.00 inches. Severe weather
was reported in six counties. Tree damage from straight-line winds and one-inch
diameter hail was reported in Jasper County. Thunderstorms with heavy rain
continued across Iowa’s northern third Wednesday (19th) into Thursday (20th),
leading to widespread flood warnings. Two-day rain totals were 2.00 to 5.19
inches above average for over 30 stations; Everly (Clay County) reported 5.51
inches. Temperatures over this period were hot, with many locations 10-15
degrees above average; high temperatures ranged from the mid-80s into the
mid-90s with the exception of northern Iowa where rain and cloud cover kept
temperatures cooler. A cold front with severe thunderstorms crossed the state
Thursday evening. Twelve western counties reported severe winds with 75 mph
gusts in Emmet County. The cold front exited Iowa Friday (21st) bringing dry
conditions and pleasant temperatures through the weekend. Average highs on
Saturday (22nd) and Sunday (23rd) were in the upper 60s to low 70s. Overnight
lows dipped into the 40s, with Cresco (Howard County) and Waukon (Allamakee
county) recording the week’s low temperature of 36 degrees, seven degrees below
normal. Williamsburg (Iowa County) observed the week’s high temperature of 96
degrees on Tuesday, 21 degrees above average.
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For more information, contact Dustin Vande Hoef, (515) 281-3375 or (515) 326-1616 (cell) or Dustin.VandeHoef@IowaAgriculture.gov
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