Special to the Times Vedette

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.

“Each spring brings a renewed sense of optimism for the growing season ahead,” Secretary Naig said. “The initial weather outlooks for the first half of April are leaning warmer and drier, which will make farmers eager to get the planters rolling as soon as field conditions are ready. Thankfully, the drought situation across Iowa is improved compared to last year because of the more active weather pattern we experienced throughout March.”

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

Crop report

Much of the State experienced cooler than normal temperatures and much needed rain showers leaving Iowa farmers with 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 6, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Minimal fieldwork was done during the week, but some producers were able to plant oats, apply anhydrous, and dry fertilizer.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 22 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 10 percent very short, 34 percent short, 55 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Oats seeding reached 20 percent complete, 8 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Oats emerged reached 2 percent.

Calving was in full swing with reports of mud in some areas.

Weather summary

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

April began with unseasonably wet conditions across the state with stations in northwest and southern Iowa reporting over 200% of normal rainfall. Temperatures for the first reporting period of the season were colder than average over Iowa’s northwest corner while near-normal conditions were found southeast; Iowa’s average temperature was 40.7 degrees, 2.6 degrees below normal.

A low pressure system continued its path through eastern Iowa on Sunday (30th) afternoon as blustery northwesterly winds built in behind. Rain was reported over much of the state with the highest totals from central to northwest Iowa; Battle Creek (Ida County) reported 0.68 inch while a 0.70-inch total was observed in Webster City (Hamilton County). Measurable snow also accompanied the system with measurements ranging from 0.1 inch in Ames (Story County) to 4.0 inches at Fort Dodge (Webster County). Skies remained mostly cloudy to overcast into Monday (31st) with morning lows in the upper 20s and low 30s. Clearing into the afternoon helped boost highs into the low 50s in southern and eastern Iowa while low to mid 40s blanketed northwestern Iowa. Winds shifted to the east into Tuesday (1st) morning as clouds moved in over western Iowa ahead of another low pressure disturbance. A few waves of moderate rain showers crossed the state into early Tuesday (2nd) morning with stronger thunderstorms firing in western Iowa just after midnight, producing scattered large hail reports. Rain persisted just before noon with a narrow line of thundershowers in northeastern Iowa during the early afternoon. High temperatures rose into the upper 60s to mid 70s in the southeast, nearly 20 degrees above normal. Event rain totals registered at 7:00 am on Wednesday (3rd) showed that most Iowa stations observed at least 0.50 inch with over 70 locations receiving an inch or more. The highest totals were found in northwest eastern Iowa with the Davenport NWS office measuring 1.44 inches. In the northwest, Fonda (Pocahontas County) collected 1.53 inches with an overall statewide average of 0.76 inch. Clouds held over northern Iowa though the afternoon and evening hours with daytime temperatures in the 40s; sunshine across southern Iowa pushed temperatures into the low 50s with light winds.

Winds swung around to the east into Thursday (4th) as partly cloudy skies held lows in the mid 30s over portions of central and western Iowa. Showers associated with a strong surface low moving across the Ohio Valley filtered into southern Iowa during the afternoon hours and lingered into eastern Iowa through late evening. Rain amounts were generally light with the highest totals ranging from 0.20 inch in Mount Union (Henry County) to 0.34 inch in Bloomfield (Davis County). Parts of western Iowa experienced light rainfall as a cold front crossed the state into Friday (5th). Gusty northerly winds developed behind the boundary with overnight lows ranging from the upper 20s northwest to low 40s southeast. Afternoon temperatures stayed in the low to mid 40s as skies cleared with strong northerlies persisting past sunset. Starry skies and light winds allowed substantial surface cooling, resulting in lows in the 20s; the statewide average low was 25 degrees, 10 degrees below normal. Daytime highs rebounded nicely into the mid to upper 50s under variable winds and bright sunshine. A fast moving cold front moved through the Upper Midwest overnight into Sunday (6th), shifting winds back to a northerly direction with upper 20s to low 40s north to south across Iowa.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.14 inch in Earling (Shelby County) to 2.03 inches in Fonda. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.88 inch; the normal of 0.67 inch. Multiple eastern Iowa stations reported the week’s high temperature of 75 degrees on the 2nd, on average 17 degrees above average. Audubon (Audubon County) reported the week’s low temperature of 18 degrees on the 6th, 14 degrees below normal. Four-inch soil temperatures were in the low to mid 40s statewide as of Sunday.

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.

“We give thanks for yet another bountiful harvest across Iowa, despite many challenges including a wet spring, a dry fall and some challenging severe weather. Record or near record yields and production for both corn and soybeans, combined with commodity prices not keeping up with costs, amplifies the continual need to build and expand markets locally, domestically and internationally,” said Secretary Naig. “As Iowans gather around the table this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to think about the farmers that made that meal possible and the work they do every single day. We have much to be thankful for here in Iowa. We are truly blessed to live in the greatest state in the greatest nation, and to be a part of Iowa agriculture.”

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

Crop report

Rain along with snow showers in the North East and North Central parts of Iowa resulted in an average of 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 24, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities slowed down this week with reports of fall tillage, and fertilizer and manure applications wrapping up.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 26 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 14 percent very short, 41 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain is virtually complete.

Weather summary

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

The final reporting period of the year was unseasonably warm and wet with above average rainfall over the western and northern portions of the state; stations in the northwest corner registered positive departures of over an inch. Conditions were up to 10 degrees above average in southeastern Iowa with a statewide average temperature of 39.1 degrees, 4.8 degrees above normal.

Scattered showers continued through southern Iowa into Sunday (17th) afternoon in advance of a large surface low pressure system moving out of Oklahoma. Daytime temperatures held in the low 50s with stations that were experiencing rain reporting totals under 0.10 inch. Clouds increased over southern Iowa into Monday (18th) morning as showers expanded across the state ahead of a warm front. Moderate rainfall was observed over much of western and northern Iowa as the low pressure center propagated north along the Iowa-Nebraska border into Minnesota. High temperatures continued to warm through the evening hours, ranging from the low 50s north to mid 60s south. Gusty westerly winds developed in the wake of the low as clouds cleared from southwest to northeast by sunrise on Tuesday (19th). Nearly 80 stations collected at least an inch of rain with most stations receiving 0.50 inch or more. Western Iowa experienced the wettest conditions with Atlantic (Cass County) and Estherville (Emmet County) each reporting 1.78 inches while Glenwood (Mills County) registered 2.02 inches; the statewide average rainfall was 0.69 inch. Gusty westerlies persisted through the day with overcast skies across northern Iowa and temperatures in the mid to upper 40s. Sunshine over southwestern Iowa boosted temperatures in the 50s as winds died down. A fast-moving cold front dipped through the Upper Midwest during the daylight hours on Wednesday (20th) bringing the first, but very light, snowfall over northeastern Iowa. High temperatures hovered in the low 30s over northern Iowa as snowflakes flew while southern Iowa was 10 to 15 degrees warmer. Nearly 50 stations measured at least 0.1 inch of snow with 1.0 inch observed at Bellevue Lock and Dam (Jackson County).

Thursday (21st) morning was overcast with strong northwesterly winds and lows in the upper 20s and low 30s. Cloud cover began to break across western Iowa into the afternoon with temperatures across the state in the upper 30s and low 40s. Overcast skies in Iowa’s eastern two-thirds continued into Friday (22nd) as morning lows dropped into the upper teens and low 20s in western Iowa where stars were visible. Daytime temperatures rose into the mid to upper 30s in eastern Iowa with low to mid 40s west. Clearing skies and light, variable winds helped morning lows on Saturday (23rd) drop down to the 20s at most of Iowa’s stations with patchy fog observed in eastern Iowa. A shift to southeasterly winds through the day aided temperatures warming through the low 50s in western Iowa with slightly cooler conditions at eastern stations. Winds shifted back to an easterly direction by 7:00 am on Sunday (24th) as clear skies held on and morning temperatures remained in the 30s statewide.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.20 inch in Fairfield (Jefferson County) to 2.25 inches in Holstein (Ida County). The weekly statewide average precipitation was 0.84 inch; the normal is 0.43 inch. Numerous stations reported the week’s high temperature of 64 degrees on the 18th, on average 16 degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) reported the week’s low temperature of 18 degrees on the 24th, three 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.

“Even as harvest winds down across the state, farmers are still busy completing fall field work as conditions allow,” said Secretary Naig. “Though the rain has temporarily parked some combines and tractors, it has helped green up the cover crops and provided some replenishment for the parched soils and streams. Forecasts through the end of November indicate both seasonal temperatures and precipitation can be expected.”

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

Crop report

Iowa’s farmers had an average of 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 17, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Primary fieldwork activities included fall tillage, fertilizer applications, and some row crop harvest. Topsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 28 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 15 percent very short, 44 percent short, 40 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Corn harvested for grain reached 97 percent statewide.

Livestock producers continue to deal with muddy feedlots. 

Weather summary

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

The shift to a wetter weather pattern in early November continued through the reporting period with widespread rainfall statewide and unseasonably wet conditions in western Iowa. Warmer temperatures persisted as well with positive departures nearing eight degrees in western Iowa; the statewide average temperature was 43.1 degrees, 6.4 degrees above normal. 

Late morning showers moved out of northeastern Iowa as cloudy skies persisted through Sunday (10th) afternoon. Daytime temperatures held in the low to mid 50s with a westerly wind. Several stations observed rainfall, ranging from 0.13 inch at Harpers Ferry (Allamakee County) to 0.52 inch in Mason City (Cerro Gordo County). Starry skies emerged into Monday (11th) with morning lows in the mid 30s to low 40s north to south with northwesterly winds. Afternoon conditions remained sunny with temperatures in the mid 40s north to low 50s south. Winds shifted easterly and became blustery through Tuesday (12th) as a low pressure system approached Iowa from the southwest. Afternoon temperatures varied from the mid 40s east to upper 50s west with cloud cover increasing across western Iowa. Thundershowers formed ahead of the low pressure center along the Iowa-Nebraska border after midnight on Wednesday (13th). Showers spread across Iowa through the daylight hours as temperatures held in the 40s. The system exited northeastern Iowa late in the night with winds shifting to the northwest as clouds cleared in western Iowa. Event rain totals were highest in western Iowa where 45 stations collected at least 1.00 inch; Atlantic (Cass County) observed 1.52 inches with 1.90 inches in Schleswig (Crawford County). Amounts tapered off to a few tenths farther east with higher readings northeast and a statewide average of 0.47 inch. 

Fog was reported across eastern Iowa on Thursday (14th) morning with lows in the mid 40s under cloudy skies. Clearing conditions in western Iowa allowed temperatures to drop into the low to mid 30s. Mostly cloudy skies remained over Iowa’s eastern two-thirds while southerly winds and clear skies were present farther west. Overnight lows into Friday (15th) dropped into the upper 20s and low 30s with very dense fog observed from central to eastern Iowa; some stations reported frozen fog as well. With high pressure dominating the Midwest and a shift to southerly flow, afternoon temperatures rose into the upper 50s to mid 60s under sunshine. Spotty cloud cover developed overnight with southeasterly winds increasing through Saturday (16th) morning and temperatures in the 40s. Showers and a few isolated thunderstorms formed along a weak cold front over the evening hours with rain totals under 0.10 inch; Cedar Falls (Black Hawk County) reported the highest total of 0.08 inch. Colder air filtered in behind the front with northwesterly winds and Sunday (17th) morning temperatures in the mid 30s to mid 40s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.02 inch in Decorah (Winneshiek County) to 2.16 inches in Earling (Shelby County). The weekly statewide average precipitation was 0.55 inch; the normal is 0.49 inch. Clarinda (Page County) reported the week’s high temperature of 67 degrees on the 15th, 17 degrees above normal. Elkader (Clayton County) reported the week’s low temperature of 21 degrees on the 12th, five 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.

“Between periods of rain last week, the unseasonably warm temperatures helped Iowa farmers continue to wrap up harvest and complete other field work,” Secretary Mike Naig said. “The widespread rainfall over the last few weeks has been beneficial in improving drought conditions across large swaths of Iowa. We can expect the warmer temperatures and more active weather pattern to continue as we head toward Thanksgiving.”

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

Crop report

Moderate rainfall during the week slowed harvest as Iowa’s farmers had an average of 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 10, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting row crops, completing fall tillage, baling stalks, and applying fall fertilizer and manure.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 12 percent very short, 36 percent short, 50 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19 percent very short, 45 percent short, 35 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Harvest of the corn for grain crop reached 95 percent statewide, 4 days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the five-year average. Farmers in south central Iowa still have over 15 percent of their corn for grain remaining to be harvested. Moisture content of field corn harvested for grain remained steady at 14 percent.

Livestock producers reported muddy feedlots.

Weather summary

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

Unseasonably wet conditions were observed across much of Iowa for the second consecutive reporting period with the highest totals found in northeast Iowa. Temperatures remained well above average with positive departures of 10-14 degrees in eastern Iowa; the statewide average temperature was 48.3 degrees, 8.9 degrees above normal.

Showers continued through much of Sunday (3rd) with moderate rainfall reported across eastern Iowa. Afternoon temperatures held in the mid to upper 50s under overcast skies. A second round of showers on the backside of the low pressure center moved through northwestern Iowa into Monday (4th). Rainfall totals were highest in eastern Iowa with most stations registering between 0.50 and 1.00 inch. A swath of northeastern Iowa reported higher totals ranging from 1.10 inches in McGregor (Clayton County) to 2.30 inches at Dubuque Lock and Dam (Dubuque County). Stations across western Iowa saw general amounts of a few tenths of an inch with totals between 1.32 and 1.50 inches at multiple Harrison County locations; the statewide average rainfall was 0.48 inch. Overcast skies persisted for much of the afternoon with highs ranging from the low 50s north to mid 60s south. Rain showers returned to southern Iowa towards the evening and broadened to cover much of Iowa. The system slowly moved across Iowa into Tuesday (5th) with northwestern Iowa reporting light rainfall through the late morning hours. An additional line of showers with moderate rainfall formed in eastern Iowa along a cold front before the system cleared the state. Most Iowa stations reported at least 0.25 inch with the highest event totals in western and east-central Iowa; Cedar Rapids (Linn County) registered 1.02 inches while Oskaloosa (Mahaska County) observed 2.11 inches. Clouds began clearing behind the system with widespread fog reported near daybreak on Wednesday (6th) with morning lows in the mid 30s west to mid 40s east. Afternoon conditions were generally clear statewide with variable winds and temperatures climbing into the upper 40s and low 50s.

Widespread fog was observed again on Thursday (7th) morning as clear skies and calm to light winds produced ideal conditions. Westerly winds increased through the daytime hours as temperatures rose into the 50s under sunny skies. Wind shifted southwesterly overnight with morning lows on Friday (8th) holding in the low 30s north to low 40s south. The afternoon hours were sunny with light, variable winds and temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s. Clouds increased over southwestern Iowa after sunset as a low pressure system approached the state. Showers spread across the southwest corner and expanded over much of the state into Saturday (9th) morning. Rainfall persisted in eastern Iowa through the day as high temperatures held in the upper 40s for most stations. The low pressure center continued to move across northwestern Iowa into Sunday (10th), producing additional showers. Rain totals reported at 7:00 am were in the 0.25-0.50 inch range over much of western Iowa with 0.10-0.25 inch totals farther east; Storm Lake (Buena Vista County) reported 0.47 inch while Grafton (Worth County) recorded 0.96 inch.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged 0.02 inch in Rock Rapids (Lyon County) to 2.93 inches at Dubuque Lock and Dam. The weekly statewide average precipitation was 1.14 inches; the normal is 0.52 inch. Columbus Junction (Louisa County) and Donnellson (Lee County) reported the week’s high temperature of 71 degrees on the 4th, on average 16 degrees above normal. Several stations reported the week’s low temperature of 29 degrees on the 7th and 8th, 1.1 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.

“After a long stretch of dry conditions that allowed harvest to proceed without much interruption, measurable rainfall finally arrived last week and stayed through the weekend in much of the state. For Iowa farmers still finishing harvest and other field work, the moisture may temporarily delay progress. However, it will also provide the added benefits of reducing dust, decreasing fire risk and helping to replenish our dry soils, waterways and pastures,” Secretary Naig said. “For the many farmers who have seeded cover crops or are planning to do so, the rain also provided a much needed boost toward getting them established. As we look ahead to the next two weeks, outlooks continue to show better chances of warmer temperatures and more rain.”

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

Crop report

Much needed rain across the State meant Iowa farmers had just 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 3, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, completing fall tillage, and applying fall fertilizer and manure. 

Topsoil moisture condition rated 21 percent very short, 38 percent short, 39 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 27 percent very short, 42 percent short, 31 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.

Harvest of the corn for grain crop reached 92 percent statewide, 6 days ahead of last year and 2 weeks ahead of the five-year average. Moisture content of field corn harvested for grain remained steady at 14 percent.

Livestock producers reported weaning calves and sending some to local sale barns. Many feedlots went from dry and dusty to muddy with the rain received during the week.

Weather summary

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

A significant shift in the storm track brought widespread and above-normal rainfall to most of Iowa during the reporting period; nearly a month’s worth of rain fell at many stations.

Temperatures remained warmer than average with the highest departures of up to 12 degrees in central Iowa. The statewide average temperature was 53.1 degrees, 7.5 degrees above normal.

Strong southerly winds helped boost Sunday (27th) afternoon temperatures into the mid to upper 60s with ample sunshine. Winds decreased through the evening hours with partly cloudy conditions developing in southwestern Iowa into Monday (28th). Morning lows bottomed out in the 50s with southerly winds persisting. Afternoon temperatures were pleasant, in the 70s, with winds once again becoming gusty and clouds drifting over western Iowa. Temperatures on Tuesday (29th) morning were well-above average across eastern Iowa as a warm front lifted north across the state; upper 60s and low 70s were reported at most stations with upper 40s in the northwest corner and a statewide average low of 53 degrees, 18 degrees above normal. Daytime conditions were exceedingly windy with 45 mph wind gusts reported at municipal airports in Cedar Rapids (Linn County), Davenport (Scott County) and Lamoni (Decatur County). High temperatures were well above average, in the low to mid 80; the statewide average high was 81 degrees, 26 degrees above normal. Cloud cover increased over western Iowa overnight into Wednesday (30th) with a strong Colorado Low pressure center moving into Iowa as thundershowers popped up in eastern Iowa. Stronger thunderstorms, some severe warned, developed in western Iowa over the afternoon and evening hours. Showers and thunderstorms expanded in aerial coverage across much of Iowa through the end of the day and into early Thursday (31st) as the system moved into the Great Lakes. More than 300 National Weather Service and Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) gauges collected at least 1.00 inch with nearly 100 hitting 2.00 inches; the highest totals were found from south-central to eastern Iowa with 3.00 inches in Dubuque (Dubuque County) and Williamson (Lucas County) to 3.52 inches in Jasper County. The statewide average rainfall was 1.49 inches with a few stations in northwest Iowa reporting measurable snowfall as cold air wrapped in behind the disturbance; Sheldon measured 0.1 inch while 1.7 inches was observed in Sibley (Osceola County).

Overcast skies persisted through Friday (1st) with afternoon highs varying from the upper 30s northeast to low 50s southwest where skies began clearing. Light, variable winds developed into Saturday (2nd) morning with lows in the upper 20s and low 30s statewide under clear skies. A southerly shifting wind allowed temperatures to rise into the mid to upper 50s as clouds increased along the Iowa-Missouri border. Rain showers overspread the state through the nighttime hours and into Sunday (3rd) morning with temperatures holding in the upper 40s and low 50s. Rain totals reported at 7:00 am were highest from central to northeast Iowa with 2.00 inches in Decorah (Winneshiek County) to 2.30 inches in Garwin (Tama County). Nearly 150 stations within the swath as well as northwest and southeast of the highest totals reported at least an inch with a statewide average of 0.80 inch.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.60 inch in Le Mars (Plymouth County) to 5.05 inches in Vining (Tama County). The weekly statewide average precipitation was 2.29 inches, more than four time the normal of 0.53 inch. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 86 degrees on the 29th, 29 degrees above normal. Belle Plaine and Vinton (Benton County) reported the week’s low temperature of 24 degrees on the 1st and 2nd, on average 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.

“Continued warm temperatures and dry conditions last week allowed for harvest to push forward at a brisk pace. While corn harvest is likely to continue well into November, soybean harvest across Iowa is nearing completion,” said Secretary Naig. “The extended lack of rainfall has resulted in drought conditions spreading across many areas, but a mid-week system has the potential to bring widespread moisture to much of Iowa. Following what is likely to be one of the driest Octobers on record, weather outlooks for early November are indicating more chances for rainfall.”

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

Crop report

Row crop harvest was ahead of normal as Iowa’s farmers had 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 27, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, completing fall tillage, and applying fall fertilizer.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 43 percent very short, 42 percent short, 15 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Topsoil moisture condition rated at least 75 percent short to very short across the State. Subsoil moisture condition rated 34 percent very short, 46 percent short, 20 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.

Corn harvest for grain reached 84 percent statewide, almost a week ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the five-year average. South central Iowa farmers still have 34 percent of their corn for grain remaining to harvest, while farmers have already harvested 91 percent in north central Iowa. Moisture content of field corn being harvested was 14 percent. Iowa’s soybean harvest was nearly complete at 96 percent.

Pasture condition continued to fall and rated 19 percent good to excellent this week.  Pastures have largely gone dormant due to shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures, and dry conditions.

Weather summary

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

Widespread rainfall returned to Iowa over the reporting period with the highest totals found in east-central Iowa; the weekly statewide total was more than the previous four weeks combined, though still below the 30-year climatological average. Temperatures remained unseasonably warm with a statewide average of 53.6 degrees, 4.2 degrees above normal.

Strong southwesterly winds helped boost Sunday (20th) afternoon temperatures into the low 80s across most of Iowa. Clear conditions continued into Monday (21st) with morning temperatures ranging from the mid 40s southeast to upper 50s northwest. Afternoon temperatures returned to the low 80s statewide with sunny skies and southerly winds persisting. Clouds increased over western Iowa prior to sunset as a band of showers, with locally heavier rain, pushed into Iowa ahead of a low pressure system. Showers and a few thunderstorms increased in coverage as the system moved through central and eastern Iowa into late Tuesday (22nd) morning. Moderate rain was reported along a narrow line in eastern Iowa before the system cleared the state. Most stations reporting rain had totals under 0.15 inch with higher amounts ranging from 0.21 inch in Washington (Washington County) to 0.41 inch near Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County). Westerly winds built in behind the system with clearing skies in eastern Iowa and highs in the 70s west to upper 60s east. Winds shifted northwesterly overnight as patchy cloud cover and light rain moved over southern Iowa.

Conditions cleared out through Wednesday (23rd) with afternoon conditions in the upper 50s to mid 60s, near seasonal for late October. Overnight lows into Thursday (24th) were below freezing in eastern Iowa, where patchy frozen fog was observed; upper 40s and low 50s were reported farther west. A shift back to gusty southerly winds ahead of another low pressure center helped fire thunderstorms across southern Iowa into the afternoon hours. A more concentrated line of showers and thunderstorms formed along the low’s attendant cold front as it sped through central Iowa; several storms became severe-warned with pea to penny-sized hail along with heavier rainfall rates. Thirty stations in eastern Iowa reported at least an inch of rain with the highest totals in Johnson County, where 1.93 inches was registered in North Liberty. Many stations observed rainfall in the 0.30 to 0.70-inch range. The system cleared eastern Iowa by sunrise on Friday (25th) with morning lows in the mid 30s northwest to low 50s southeast under clear skies. Sunshine and northerly winds prevailed with highs holding in the upper 50s and low 60s. Saturday (26th) dawned chilly with temperatures in the 20s across western Iowa while conditions were up to 10 degrees warmer in eastern Iowa. Daytime temperatures rose back into the upper 50s and low 60s as blustery southerly winds returned. Starry skies were visible into Sunday (27th) with morning lows in the upper 30s and low 40s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation in northwest Iowa to 2.18 inches in Solon (Johnson County). The weekly statewide average precipitation was 0.24 inch while the normal is 0.53 inch. Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) reported the week’s high temperature of 85 degrees on the 21st, 27 degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) and Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) reported the week’s low temperature of 20 degrees on the 27th, on average 13 degrees below normal.