Released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“After another dry week, Iowa’s harvest took another sizable step toward the finish line,” Secretary Naig said. “Heading into the last stretch of October, temperatures are expected to remain warmer than average with more chances of precipitation, which could slow or temporarily pause harvest in areas. With drought conditions continuing to spread, we would welcome a shot of rain to reduce fire risks, get cover crops established and begin to replenish our soils, streams and pastures.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Row crop harvest remained ahead of average as Iowa’s farmers had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 20, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Field activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, fall tillage, and applying manure and fertilizer. Dry conditions resulted in field and equipment fires being reported during harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 41 percent very short, 40 percent short, 19 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 31 percent very short, 46 percent short, 23 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. For the second straight week, most of the State received no measurable precipitation.

Nearly all of Iowa’s corn crop reached the mature stage or beyond. Harvest of the corn for grain crop reached 68 percent complete, 5 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the five-year average. Farmers in south central Iowa remained behind farmers in the rest of the State with just 50 percent of their crop harvested. Moisture content of field corn being harvested was 15 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 91 percent, 1 week ahead of last year and almost 2 weeks ahead of the average. Farmers in northern Iowa, as well as west central and east central, have already harvested 94 percent or more of their soybeans.

Pasture condition fell another 8 percentage points to 22 percent good to excellent this week.  Ponds and creeks in pastures are drying up as pastures go dormant due to the dry conditions. Some cattle are being turned onto corn stalk fields.

Weather Summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The second driest October in 152 years of records continues as only a handful of Iowa stations reported meager rainfall totals. Much of the state also experienced the first widespread freeze early in the reporting period. Overall, temperatures varied from below normal southeast to above normal northwest; the statewide average temperature was 49.9 degrees, 0.8 degree below normal.

Gusty northwesterly winds persisted through Sunday (13th) afternoon with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s. Mostly cloudy skies in eastern Iowa gave way to clear conditions into Monday (14th). Morning lows dropped into the 20s in western Iowa with upper 30s to low 40s farther east. Partly cloudy conditions developed across central Iowa through the day as temperatures held in the 50s. Cloud cover increased across much of Iowa overnight with isolated light showers forming in southern Iowa; trace amounts of rainfall were reported at eight stations, including Des Moines International Airport (Polk County) while four stations collected 0.01 to 0.02 inch in Clarke and Henry counties. A strong high pressure system dominated the Upper Midwest through Tuesday (15th) with ample sunshine and daytime highs returning to the mid to upper 50s. The coldest temperatures of the season were reported on Wednesday (16th) morning with upper teens to low 30s observed west to east across the state; the statewide average low was 26 degrees, 13 degrees below normal. With a southerly shifting wind, afternoon temperatures warmed into the low 60s with clear skies persisting. Overnight lows varied from the mid 30s southeast to upper 40s northwest under starry skies. Strong southerly winds continued through the day on Thursday (17th), pushing temperatures into the upper 60s and low 70s statewide. Morning temperatures, in the low to mid 50s, were 10-15 degrees above normal in western Iowa with more seasonal temperatures across much of the rest of the state. Friday (18th) was pleasant with low 70s, blustery southerly winds and clear skies. Saturday (19th) dawned with partly to mostly cloudy skies in western Iowa with clear skies over eastern Iowa. Low temperatures under clouds were in the 50s while mid 30s to low 40s were reported east. Afternoon temperatures hit the low to mid 70s with some spotty clouds remaining in western Iowa. Wind speeds decreased into Sunday (20th) with lows in the 50s under clear skies.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation across the vast majority of Iowa to 0.02 inch in Osceola (Clarke County). There was no measurable weekly statewide average precipitation; the normal is 0.55 inch. Waterloo Municipal Airport (Black Hawk County) reported the week’s high temperature of 85 degrees on the 20th, 24 degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) reported the week’s low temperature of 17 degrees on the 16th, 20 degrees below normal.

Released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Warm and dry conditions continued across much of the state last week, providing a window for significant harvest progress. Despite cooler temperatures, mostly dry conditions are expected to persist in the week ahead, allowing harvest activity to steadily roll on. However, outlooks into the second half of October show rainfall potential,” Secretary Naig said. “As harvest continues, I encourage drivers to be on the lookout for farm machinery on the roads at all hours of the day and night. Please slow down and share the road to keep drivers and farmers safe this fall.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

Continued dry weather and above normal temperatures allowed Iowa farmers 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 13, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, baling corn stalks, applying manure and fertilizers, and fall tillage. Fire danger in fields remains a threat.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 35 percent very short, 41 percent short, 24 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 27 percent very short, 45 percent short, 28 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.

Corn reached 97 percent mature or beyond. Corn harvested for grain reached 45 percent, 3 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn moisture content fell 2 percentage points to 16 percent. Corn condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves or beyond reached 98 percent. Nearly one-quarter of the soybean crop was harvested during the week ending October 13 reaching 81 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the average. Farmers in south central Iowa remain considerably behind farmers in the rest of the State with just 54 percent of their soybean crop harvested.

Pasture condition fell 8 percentage points to just 30 percent good to excellent this week. Livestock water resources continue to recede.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The second reporting period of October was the driest of the year with only a few stations reporting trace amounts of rainfall; October so far is running just under 10% of normal precipitation. Warm conditions also continued with temperatures up to six degrees warmer than normal in western Iowa; the statewide average temperature was 59.6 degrees, 5.4 degrees above normal.

Gusty northwesterly winds built in through Sunday (6th) afternoon with high temperatures ranging from the mid 60s north to low 70s south. Clear skies and calm winds allowed for widespread below freezing temperatures over northern Iowa into the morning hours of Monday (7th); the statewide average low was 36 degrees, seven degrees below normal. Afternoon temperatures rebounded into the mid to upper 60s with wildfire smoke observed across portions of southern Iowa. Tuesday (8th) started off with clear skies with morning lows in the mid 30s to low 40s and patchy fog at southwestern stations. Daytime conditions remained sunny with southwesterly to westerly winds and highs in the mid to upper 70s. Spotty clouds filtered into the state overnight into Wednesday (9th) with variable winds and temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s south; temperatures farther north held in the upper 30s and low 40s. Upper 70s and low 80s were reported through the daylight hours as cloudless conditions continued into Thursday (10th) morning. Winds shifted to the east with temperatures in the mid to upper 40s at most locations. A southerly shifting wind boosted highs into the mid to upper 80s across Iowa’s western half with mid to upper 70s towards the eastern side the state. With an anomalously strong solar storm impacting Earth, vivid Aurora Borealis were observed through the late evening and nighttime hours. Friday (11th) dawned mostly clear with lows in the 50s for most of Iowa; several readings in the 40s were registered in eastern Iowa. Winds began shifting northerly as a cold front moved southeast across the state. Highs behind the front were in the low to mid 70s while the mid 80s were reported ahead of the front. Very light showers were visible on RADAR along the boundary, however only a trace amount of rainfall was observed at a few eastern Iowa stations, including Decorah (Winneshiek County) and Muscatine (Muscatine County). A weak low pressure center skirted the Iowa-Missouri border overnight and through much of Saturday (12th), shifting easterly winds back to a northerly direction. Daytime conditions remained seasonal over northern Iowa with warmer temperatures across southeastern corner, in the low to mid 80s. Windy conditions returned after sunrise on Sunday (13th) as most stations reported lows in the 40s under clear skies.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation across the vast majority of Iowa to trace amounts at a handful of stations. There was no measurable weekly statewide average precipitation; the normal is 0.60 inch. Osceola (Clarke County) and Shenandoah (Page County) reported the week’s high temperature of 89 degrees on the 11th, 21 degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) reported the week’s low temperature of 28 degrees on the 7th, 13 degrees below normal.

Released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Iowa’s harvest progress took a big leap forward this week,” Secretary Naig said. “After the driest September on record, the warm and dry weather is expected to continue through mid-October. While this is helpful for harvest, drought conditions are likely to expand throughout the state.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

Iowa experienced another week of dry and windy conditions which allowed farmers 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 6, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn and soybean harvest continued to be the primary field activities for the week. Combine and other equipment fires were reported as weather conditions increased the risk of such fires.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 42 percent short, 36 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 16 percent very short, 44 percent short, 39 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn mature reached 90 percent, 6 days behind last year but 5 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn harvested for grain reached 22 percent, 2 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of normal. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was 18 percent. Corn condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 93 percent, 1 day ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans harvested reached 58 percent this week, 4 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the average. Iowa farmers were able to harvest 31 percent of the State’s soybean crop during the week ending October 6, 2024. Soybean condition rated 76 percent good to excellent.

Pasture condition continued to fall and rated just 38 percent good to excellent this week, a decrease of 6 percentage points.  Livestock water resources continue to be a concern.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The first week of October experienced continued unseasonably warm conditions as a stable weather pattern dominated the region; the statewide average temperature was 62.9 degrees, 6.5 degrees above normal. This was also the fifth consecutive reporting period of below average rainfall with much of northern and western Iowa in moisture deficits as drought expands.

Sunday (29th) afternoon was pleasant with low dewpoints and temperatures in the low to mid 80s under sunny skies. Morning temperatures on Monday (30th) dropped into the 40s across portions of western Iowa with mid to upper 50s over the rest of Iowa. Gusty southerly winds built in through the daytime hours with some clouds in eastern Iowa and temperatures in the 80s. Temperatures dropped, and winds shifted northwesterly as a cold front pushed though the state into Tuesday (1st) morning. Conditions were in the low to mid 40s in western Iowa while mid to upper 50s were observed ahead of the boundary in eastern Iowa. Afternoon temperatures held in the mid to upper 60s under cloudless skies and light northerly winds. Winds swung to a southerly direction after midnight with morning lows on Wednesday (2nd) ranging from the upper 30s southeast to upper 40s northwest with patchy cloud cover in southwest Iowa. Southwesterly winds became gusty ahead of a cold front crossing through the Upper Midwest; highs were comfortable in the 70s with ample sunshine. Thursday (3rd) started off with lows in the mid 40s east to mid 50s west with winds turning east as a low pressure center approached Iowa from the southwest. Daytime temperatures warmed into the 80s across southern Iowa while low 70s were reported farther north. Clouds increased across the state as the cold front swung southeast. A line of showers and elevated thunderstorms formed just after midnight along and south of I-80. Several storms were severe-warned after quickly intensifying as they moved through southeastern Iowa, producing moderate to heavy rain and pea-sized hail. The highest rain totals ranged from 0.50 inch in Muscatine (Muscatine County) to over 1.00 inch in Ottumwa (Wapello County) and Columbus Junction (Louisa County). Lesser amounts, at or under 0.20 inch, were reported at several central and northeastern Iowa stations. Friday (4th) dawned chilly in northwestern Iowa with upper 30s and low 40s reported. Lingering clouds held temperatures in the mid to upper 50s southeast as the front pushed east. Afternoon conditions were sunny and near seasonal with highs in the low 70s and easterly winds. Partly cloudy skies developed into Saturday (5th) with patchy fog at southwestern stations and low temperatures in the 50s. Daytime temperatures quickly rose into the upper 80s and low 90s across much of Iowa as a cold front swept into western Iowa. Atlantic (Cass County) hit 96 degrees, just one degree off the statewide record high temperature for October set in 1897; the average high was 87 degrees, 19 degrees above normal. Starry skies were visible overnight with morning lows on Sunday dropping into the mid 30s in northeastern Iowa.

Weekly rain totals ranged from no accumulation across much of Iowa to 1.20 inches in Columbus Junction. The statewide weekly average rainfall was 0.10 inch while the normal is 0.74 inch. Atlantic reported the week’s high temperature of 96 degrees on the 5th, 26 degrees above normal. Elkader (Clayton County) and Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) reported the week’s low temperature of 34 degrees on the 3rd and 6th, respectively, eight degrees below normal.

Released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“As we head into October, harvest activity will move into high gear with dry conditions expected to continue,” said Secretary Naig. “Although suitable for harvest, these warm and dry conditions, paired with low humidity and gusty winds, also produce an environment that can lead to field fires. I encourage everyone to be prepared, have a plan, and keep safety top of mind as you are in the field, on the road and around the farm.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

Iowa continued to experience hot and dry conditions this week allowing Iowa farmers 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 29, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting both corn and soybeans.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 15 percent very short, 44 percent short, 41 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 11 percent very short, 44 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in the dent stage or beyond reached 97 percent this week. Corn mature reached 75 percent, 1 week behind last year but 2 days ahead of normal. Corn harvested for grain reached 11 percent, 3 days behind last year but equal to the five-year average. Corn condition remained at 77 percent good to excellent. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 95 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 80 percent, 2 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of average. Soybeans harvested reached 27 percent this week, 3 days ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.

Pasture condition continued to deteriorate with 44 percent rated good to excellent this week.  With the continued dry conditions, some producers have had to begin hauling water to cattle.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Conditions remained warmer and drier during the last reporting period of September with the highest temperature departures in northern Iowa; the statewide average temperature was 63.4 degrees, 4.7 degrees above normal. Rain was again sparce across the region with totals under 20% of normal for the week, capping off one of the driest Septembers in 152 years of statewide records.

Light showers persisted into the afternoon hours of Sunday (22nd) as a cold front pushed southeast across Iowa. Northerly winds built in behind the front with clearing skies and daytime temperatures in the mid to upper 60s. Rain totals were generally under a tenth of an inch over southern Iowa though multiple stations reported higher totals; Davis City (Decatur County) registered 0.30 inch while Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County) observed 0.56 inch. Cloudy skies redeveloped over southern Iowa into Monday (23rd) with morning lows ranging from the upper 30s northwest to low 50s southeast. Partly to mostly cloudy skies were observed in southeastern Iowa with high temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Showers formed along the Iowa-Illinois border around midnight and pushed farther east as showers along a cold front moved into western Iowa close to sunrise on Tuesday (24th). The complex of showers continued east through the day as isolated thundershowers popped into the afternoon and evening hours over southern Iowa. Rain totals were highest in east-central and southeastern Iowa with more than 30 stations observing at least 0.25 inch along with multiple gauges in Lee County collecting moderate amounts; Fort Madison observed 0.32 inch with a 0.64-inch reading in Keokuk. Most of the stations that received rainfall reported an average of 0.06 inch. Afternoon conditions improved as partly cloudy skies gave way to peeks of sunshine with seasonal temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s under light winds.

Wednesday (25th) morning began chilly across northern and western Iowa where low to mid 40s were reported. Afternoon temperatures rebounded into the upper 70s and low 80s with clouds hanging around in eastern Iowa. Clearing skies and calm to light winds into Thursday (26th) helped the surface cool back into the mid 40s to low 50s with patchy fog in southern Iowa. Daytime highs returned to the previous day’s readings with southerly to southeasterly winds. Morning lows on Friday (27th) varied from the upper 50s southeast to mid 40s northwest under cloudless skies. Afternoon temperatures, in the upper 70s to mid 80s east to west, were five to 10 degrees above normal with comfortable humidity levels. Overnight conditions into Saturday (28th) remained clear with northerly winds and temperatures from the upper 40s at several northern stations to low 60s farther south. Daytime temperatures quickly rose into the upper 80s and low 90s across the northwestern half of Iowa; the statewide average temperature was 85 degrees, 13 degrees above normal. Starry skies and light northerly winds persisted into Sunday (29th) with a broad range of temperatures varying from the upper 40s in western Iowa to the mid 50s south and east.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation across northeastern Iowa to 0.67 inch in Keokuk. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.11 inch while the normal is 0.76 inch. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 91 degrees on the 28th, 18 degrees above normal. Lake Park (Dickinson County) reported the week’s low temperature of 36 degrees on the 23rd, 12 degrees below normal.

Released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time. 

“Combines are rolling in many areas of the state as fields are ready,” Secretary Naig said. “Though rain this past weekend may have slowed progress for some, harvest will continue ramping up throughout Iowa. The warmer and drier outlook into early October should provide an excellent window of opportunity for many farmers.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

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 Sept. 22, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting corn and soybeans.

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.

Pasture condition continued to fall and rated 48 percent good to excellent this week.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Unseasonable warmth persisted through the last week of astronomical summer with most Iowa stations reporting temperatures eight to 12 degrees above normal; the statewide average temperature was 73.1 degrees, 10.6 degrees above normal. Rainfall was below normal for the third consecutive reporting period with the driest conditions in eastern and extreme western Iowa.

Mid to upper 80s were reported across Iowa through Sunday (15th) afternoon with southerly winds and partly cloudy skies. Light showers formed in eastern Iowa towards sunset with 0.07 inch collected at Salem (Henry County). Morning lows on Monday (16th) held in the low to mid 60s with light east-southeasterly winds and generally clear skies. Daytime highs pushed back into the mid 80s with a swing back to southerly winds, becoming gusty in northwestern Iowa. Two rounds of showers moved through western Iowa overnight into Tuesday (17th) before dissipating in the late morning. Several stations in Sioux County observed measurable totals ranging from 0.13 inch at an Orange City Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) gauge to 0.76 in Sioux Center. Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) reported 0.50 inches with lesser amounts at surrounding stations. Clear conditions developed into the afternoon with highs in the mid to upper 80s and stronger winds out of the south.

Wednesday (18th) morning started partly cloudy in central Iowa with lows ranging from the mid 50s east to upper 60s west. Daytime conditions were similar to the previous day with clouds building in towards the end of the day. Scattered thundershowers developed in the northwest after midnight with a second complex forming in west-central Iowa towards sunrise on Thursday (19th). Scattered showers and thunderstorms continued across portions of Iowa through the day with multiple severe-warned cells in northern and south-central Iowa. More than 30 stations observed at least an inch with central to east-central stations reporting the highest totals. Pella (Marion County) registered 1.05 inches while Davis City (Decatur County) reported 2.67 inches; the statewide average rainfall was 0.30 inch. Overnight lows into Friday (20th) fell through the low to mid 50s in western Iowa as foggy conditions developed farther east. Afternoon temperatures returned to the upper 80s and low 90s over southern Iowa with low to mid 80s north; the statewide average high was 89 degrees, 14 degrees above normal. Saturday (21st) dawned unseasonably warm with lows in the mid to upper 60s along with low 70 degree-readings along the Iowa-Missouri border. A low pressure center and its attendant cold front entered northwestern Iowa through the morning hours and continued across the state through the day. Highs ahead of the front reached into the low 90s while cooler air filtered in behind. A narrow band of thunderstorms developed along the boundary bringing widespread rainfall to the state’s southeastern half. The highest amounts were observed in the northeast and south-central portions of Iowa; 7:00 am reports on Sunday (22nd) ranged from 0.25 inch in Decorah (Winneshiek County) to 2.44 inches in Lamoni (Decatur County). Morning lows were chilly in northwest Iowa, hitting the low 40s at several locations while low to mid 60s were felt in eastern Iowa.

Weekly rain totals ranged from no accumulation at multiple eastern Iowa stations to 3.13 inches in Zearing (Story County). The statewide weekly average rain was 0.58 inch; the normal is 0.83 inch. Osceola (Clarke County) and Washington (Washington County) reported the week’s high temperature of 94 degrees on the 20th, on average 18 degrees above normal. Spencer Municipal Airport reported the week’s low temperature of 41 degrees on the 22nd, seven degrees below normal.

Released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“The unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions over the past week allowed farmers to chop silage, seed cover crops, top off propane tanks, and make additional harvest preparations. There have also been reports of some harvest activity in pockets of the state, though forecasts are showing chances for widespread rainfall later this week that could temporarily park some combines,” said Secretary Naig. “National Farm Safety and Health Week is a timely reminder for all farmers and drivers to do our part to ensure a safe and productive harvest season for everyone in the field, around the farm and on the road. Given the stress and long hours of harvest as well as challenges in the ag economy, it’s also important for farmers and those involved in agriculture to prioritize their mental health and well-being.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

Iowa experienced hot and dry conditions this week. These conditions allowed Iowa farmers 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 15, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Field activities included chopping corn silage and harvesting corn and soybeans.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 38 percent short, 55 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 32 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in the dent stage or beyond reached 85 percent this week, 8 days behind last year and 2 days behind the five-year average. Corn mature reached 41 percent, 4 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the average. Corn harvested for grain began this week at 2 percent. Corn condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 72 percent, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean dropping leaves reached 31 percent, 3 days behind last year. The soybean harvest began this week at 1 percent. Soybean condition was 77 percent good to excellent.

The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 96 percent, 9 days behind last year but 1 week ahead of the five-year average. Pasture condition fell 11 percentage points to 52 percent good to excellent.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

A dome of high pressure dominated the region over the reporting period, preventing widespread showers and thunderstorms. All of Iowa’s stations reported rainfall deficits. Unseasonably warm conditions also returned to Iowa with positive departures approaching six degrees over northwestern Iowa; the statewide average temperature was 69.1 degrees, 4.0 degrees above normal.

Sunday (8^th) afternoon was sunny with westerly winds and temperatures in the low to mid 70s statewide. Winds swung to the south overnight with morning temperatures on Monday (9^th) in the upper 40s and low 50s. Afternoon temperatures warmed through the low 80s across western Iowa, while upper 70s were observed farther east. Clouds increased over central and northern Iowa overnight into Tuesday (10^th) as an upper level disturbance brought showers to northern Iowa towards daybreak. Scattered showers continued to move east through the daytime hours. Persisting southerly winds boosted temperatures into the upper 70s and low 80s. Rainfall totals were under 0.10 inch with totals ranging from 0.01 inch in Orange City (Sioux County) to 0.09 inch in Waterloo (Black Hawk County). Clear skies reemerged on Wednesday (11^th) with low temperatures in the mid to upper 50s. Afternoon conditions warmed into the mid to upper 80s across most of Iowa with slightly cooler temperatures southeast. Winds gradually shifted southeasterly as patchy clouds crossed starry skies with temperatures dropping into the 50s north and low 60s southwest. Thursday (12^th) afternoon temperatures warmed into the 80s as gusty southeasterly winds continued under sunny skies. A shift to light easterly winds occurred through the overnight hours as lows ranged from the upper 50s north to low 60s south.

Morning lows on Friday (13^th) varied from the mid 50s northwest to mid 60s southeast with light, variable winds and mostly clear skies. Higher level clouds from the northern remnants of Hurricane Francine clipped southeastern Iowa through the afternoon hours with temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s. A narrow line of showers formed in central Iowa into the evening, though much of the rain evaporated before hitting the surface. Additional showers formed in northeastern Iowa very early on Saturday (14^th) with lighter totals reported at several stations; Charles City (Floyd County) registered 0.14 inch while Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) recorded 0.30 inch. Partly to mostly cloudy skies remained into the late afternoon with gradual clearing west to east. Spotty thundershowers formed along the Iowa-Illinois border around sunset with measurable totals at a handful of stations; the National Weather Service office in Davenport (Scott County) collected 0.09 inch. Muggy conditions were reported on Sunday (15^th) morning with dewpoints and air temperatures in the low to mid 60s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation across most of Iowa to 0.35 inch at Rockwell (Cerro Gordo County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.03 inch while the normal is 0.85 inch. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 90 degrees on the 9^th, 11 degrees above normal. Elkader (Clayton County) reported the week’s low temperature of 38 degrees on the 9^th, 13 degrees below normal.