Dry weather allowed farmers to spend a lot of time in their fields in October. The new U.S.D.A. crop report shows 98% of the soybean harvest is now complete. That’s a little behind last year, but two weeks ahead of the average for this time of year.
The report says 87% of the corn crop has been pulled from the fields. That’s five days behind the harvest of last year but 19 days ahead of the five-year average. The dry weather has not been good for other livestock feed.
The report says hay supplies are short in 24% of Iowa, but overall half the hay is considered in good condition.