DES MOINES —
Weather gave last week's harvesting a boost, but didn't do anything to replenish moisture in the bone-dry soil.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says more than 80 percent of Iowa topsoil is short of moisture. The levels in the subsoil are worse, with 93 percent rated short of moisture.
The Iowa corn harvest is way ahead of schedule. According to the USDA, 22 percent of the crop has been harvested, the earliest it has ever hit that level since the National Agricultural Statistical Service began keeping records. The dry weather accelerated this year's crop and the harvest is a full three weeks ahead of the average.
Soybeans have fared better than corn this year. Most fields are dropping leaves, which is ahead of the average, but well over 50 percent of the crop rates as fair or better. Only 6 percent of the crop has been harvested so far.
State Climatologist Harry Hillaker said last week split the state. Northwestern Iowa saw above normal temperatures, while southeast Iowa saw below normal highs. The result was only a 0.2 degree variation from the statewide average.
Rain continued to avoid Iowa, Hillaker wrote:
"The statewide average precipitation was 0.58 inches while normal for the week is 0.80 inches. This was the 17th week of the past 19 to bring less than normal precipitation to the state."
CNHI/Southeast Iowa
Corn harvest surges ahead of schedule
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