Northwest Iowa experienced another round of rain and colder nights last week as Iowa farmers continued a harvest running about two weeks behind normal.
The Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for October 12–18 shows farmers statewide had 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork. While favorable conditions allowed harvest to advance where fields were accessible, the effects of a historically wet September continued to slow progress.
“With the historically wet September, Iowa’s harvest got off to a late start, and our farmers are a good two weeks behind on their normal progress,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said.
Corn and Soybean Harvest Trail Average
Twenty-six percent of Iowa’s corn had been harvested as of October 18, trailing the five-year average by 24 percentage points. Soybean harvest reached 57 percent, which was 17 percentage points behind average.
Corn maturity reached 98 percent, matching the five-year average, while 97 percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, two percentage points behind normal. Corn condition remained 72 percent good to excellent.
The report’s harvest and crop condition figures are statewide; separate northwest Iowa figures were not included in the provided summary.
Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 5 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus. Pastures were rated 73 percent good to excellent.
Rain and Freezing Temperatures Mark Weather Shift
The accompanying precipitation map shows rainfall across northwest Iowa, with heavier totals extending into north-central Iowa. Statewide, precipitation averaged 0.86 inch, above the normal 0.62 inch.
Showers moved into western Iowa around midnight heading into Thursday, October 15, before spreading across much of the state. Cooler air and strong northerly winds followed.
By Saturday morning, October 17, temperatures had fallen below freezing across a wide stretch of northern Iowa for the first time this season. State Climatologist Justin Glisan said the reporting period brought the first widespread frost and freeze to much of Iowa.
Despite the late-week chill, temperatures averaged above normal across northwest Iowa and the rest of the state. Iowa’s statewide average temperature was 56.9 degrees, 5.4 degrees above normal.
Naig Points to More Harvest Opportunities
In Monday’s release, Naig said the forecast offered an opportunity for farmers to continue catching up.
“With unseasonably warm, mostly dry weather in the forecast this week, farmers should have more opportunities to keep harvest moving,” Naig said.
He also urged motorists to watch for farm equipment, slow down, and remain patient as harvest activity increases.
