Iowa

Cooler temperatures, rain and snow throughout much of Iowa slowed fieldwork during the week ending Nov. 20, and in spite of the precipitation, over half of the state's topsoil moisture remained in the very short to short categories, according to the Iowa Agricultural Statistics Service, Nov. 21.

When conditions permitted, farmers continued corn harvesting, fertilizing and tilling. There were 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork, compared to 6.3 days the previous week.

Topsoil moisture improved from a week ago and rated 22 percent very short, 35 percent short, 39 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus across Iowa. Subsoil moisture rated lower than a week ago at 33 percent very short, 33 percent short, 32 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus across Iowa.

Corn harvested reached 98 percent complete which was 5 percentage points above a year ago but equal to the normal pace. Fall fertilizer application was 56 percent complete statewide which is 12 percentage points above the five-year average. Grain movement from farm to elevator was rated 36 percent none, 36 percent light, 23 percent moderate and 5 percent heavy. Off-farm grain storage availability rated 65 percent short, 34 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. On-farm grain storage availability rated 56 percent short, 43 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Hay and roughage availability rated 8 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. The quality of hay and roughage rated 7 percent poor, 31 percent fair and 62 percent good. Utilization of stubble fields for grazing rated 33 percent none, 28 percent light, 31 percent moderate and 8 percent heavy.

Reports of calves having been weaned and marketed were received. Favorable Fall weather was expected to lower calf losses.