Iowa continued to experience hot and dry conditions this week. These conditions allowed Iowa farmers 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 22, 2024, according to the USDA. Topsoil moisture condition rated 9 percent very short, 41 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 37 percent short, 54 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in the dent stage or beyond reached 93 percent this week. Corn mature reached 61 percent, 5 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the average. Corn harvested for grain reached 5 percent, 5 days behind last year but equal to the average. Corn condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 88 percent, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean dropping leaves reached 59 percent, also 3 days behind last year and 2 days ahead of the average. Soybean harvested reached 9 percent this week, equal to last year but 1 day ahead of the average. Soybean condition was 78 percent good to excellent.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB