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Rain again delays harvestIowa Iowa during the week ending Oct. 4 received cloudy, wet weather slowing corn and soybean harvest for a second consecutive week, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa Field Office, Oct. 5. Although some areas reported frost, temperatures did not stay low long enough to cause considerable crop damage. The rain also delayed crop maturity keeping corn and soybeans behind five-year averages for most crop stages. Reporters are concerned about fungal disease and the effect of those diseases on yields. Although wet, corn and soybeans are still rated in good to excellent condition. Cattle in feedlots are showing signs of stress as muddy pens become bothersome. There were 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, compared to the five-year average of 5.4 days. Topsoil moisture rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Corn reported at or beyond the dent stage reached 98 percent, 2 percentage points ahead of last year, but 4 days behind the five-year average. Corn reported mature or safe from frost reached 71 percent, 8 percentage points ahead of last year, but 8 days behind the five-year average. Corn harvested for grain has begun with 3 percent of the crop reported as harvested, equal to last year, but 13 days behind the five-year average. Moisture content of all corn in the field is estimated at 29 percent, 4 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Moisture content of corn being harvested is estimated at 25 percent, 4 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Corn lodging is rated 73 percent none, 22 percent light, 4 percent moderate, and 1 percent heavy. Ear droppage is rated 85 percent none, 13 percent light, 1 percent moderate, and 1 percent heavy.
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