The dry conditions continue to persist throughout the state as farmers begin pre-harvest preparations as crop conditions are variable and rain chances are low. 

ISU Extension Central Iowa Field Agronomist Meaghan Anderson says that corn has reached the dent stage or beyond which means it is close to physiological maturity and done producing yield and ready for harvest. Anderson mentions that soybeans have reached the full seed stage and the crop will start to yellow because it produced its maximum amount of yield. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that it’ll be an early start to the harvest season this year for most farmers. 

“I think as far as harvest goes, I’m looking forward to it. I think there’s a lot of anticipation this year because we have gotten some more timely rainfalls again. I think that that will pay off. I’ve seen really good looking crops out in the fields, at least as far as corn goes. I do think soybeans have suffered a little bit more from some of the heat and the dry conditions that we’ve had.”

According to the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, farmers had 6.8  suitable fieldwork days last week. Most of the field has been chopping corn silage as well as cutting and baling hay.