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Hard freeze ends growing seasonIowa Iowa received killing frost which ended the growing season for most of the state during the week ending Oct. 11, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa Field Office, Oct. 13. Rain, snow, and cloudy days kept most farmers out of fields last week. Cold temperatures added to delays in efforts to harvest soybeans and corn. Producers are again contemplating which will cost more, running driers or yield losses due to stalk rot, lodging, and other issues associated with leaving crops in the field to dry. When dry weather returns, soybean producers may have to deal with yield losses due to shattering. There were 2.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, compared to the five-year average of 5.3 days. Topsoil moisture rated 3 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 2 percent very short, 6 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Most of the corn crop is now reported beyond the dent stage. Corn reported mature or safe from frost reached 86 percent, 5 percentage points ahead of last year, but 8 days behind the five-year average. Corn harvested for grain has begun with 6 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 28 percent, 6 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Moisture content of corn being harvested is estimated at 24 percent, 5 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Corn lodging is rated 72 percent none, 21 percent light, 6 percent moderate, and 1 percent heavy. Ear droppage is rated 83 percent none, 14 percent light, 2 percent moderate, and 1 percent heavy. Corn condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Nearly all soybean fields were reported beyond turning color with 97 percent dropping leaves, 4 percentage points ahead of last year, but 1 day behind the five-year average. Soybeans harvested reached 29 percent, 35 percentage points behind last year and 11 days behind the five-year average. Soybean lodging is rated at 81 percent none, 14 percent light, and 5 percent moderate. Soybeans shattering is rated 83 percent none, 12 percent light, and 5 percent moderate. Soybean condition is rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pasture and range condition rated 2 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. The growing season for pasture and range land has ended in many areas where temperatures dropped well below freezing for a few nights last week. Cattle producers are now waiting to move cattle onto harvested corn fields for gleaning.
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