Iowa corn and soybean harvest begins after hot, dry week

Corn and soybean harvest begins in Iowa. (Photo by Perry Beeman/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Corn and soybeans in Iowa are several days behind 2023’s maturation schedule, but are in overall good to excellent condition as harvest begins. 

Two percent of corn harvested for grain and 1% of soybeans were harvested during the week of Sept. 9 through Sept. 15, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s weekly crop progress and condition report. 

The state’s third cutting of alfalfa hay remained the same from last week, at 93%. 

Both corn and soybean crops rated 77% as good or excellent condition. Corn is reaching its final stages with 85% in the dent stage or beyond. Soybeans similarly sit with 72% coloring or dropping leaves.

The state had a mostly dry week with above average temperatures. Topsoil and subsoil moisture declined to 55% and 61%, respectively, from 67% and 70% last week. 

The National Weather Service predicts rain in the coming week, which Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said “could temporarily park some combines.” 

Naig, in his comment on the weekly crop report, also reminded producers of National Farm Safety and Health Week. 

“Given the stress and long hours of harvest as well as challenges in the ag economy, it’s also important for farmers and those involved in agriculture to prioritize their mental health and well-being,” Naig said.