Iowa farmers continue to remain well ahead of last year in harvesting corn and soybeans. The latest U.S.D.A. report says 97-seven percent of the corn acres are at or beyond maturity and 19% have already been harvested.
The harvest is just over one week ahead of the five-year average, but over four weeks ahead of 2009 for corn. Twelve percent of the corn is at very poor or poor condition, with 21% fair, 46% good, and 21% excellent. Things progress rapidly in the soybean harvest this week — up 31% points to 38% complete — ahead of the 18% complete last year and the five-year average of 37%.
Nine percent of the soybeans are very poor or poor, while 20% are rated fair, 49% good, and 22% excellent.