Few farmers across the state have begun harvesting corn for grain.
According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, eighty-eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond. It is eight days behind last year and three days behind the 5-year average. Thirty percent of corn had reached maturity, six days behind last year and average. Corn condition declined slightly to 59 percent good to excellent.
Seventy-four percent soybeans were turning color or beyond. They are two days behind last year but one day ahead of average. Thirty-one percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, one day behind average.
Scattered soybean fields across most of the state have been harvested. Soybean condition dropped to 58 percent good to excellent.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 21 percent very short, 30 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. According to the September 12, 2017 U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of south central and southeast Iowa remain in extreme drought status. Subsoil moisture levels rated 20 percent very short, 34 percent short, 46 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.
