Harvest continued throughout Minnesota, despite wet field conditions during the week ending October 31st. According to the USDA, there were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork, the fewest number of days since the week ending September 5th.
Corn harvested for grain reached 83%, one day ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the five year average. Average corn moisture content of grain at harvest remained at 18%.
The soybean harvest was nearly finished at 98%, 12 days ahead of the average.
Topsoil moisture supplies increased to 4% very short, 16% short, 71% adequate and 9% surplus.
In Iowa, widespread precipitation slowed or halted harvest across much of the state, limiting farmers to just 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork.
Iowa’s corn harvest reached 73%, 4 days ahead of the five year average. There were scattered reports of downed corn due to strong winds. Moisture content of corn harvested for grain was 17%. Only farmers in south central Iowa have more than half of their corn remaining to be harvested.
Soybean harvest reached 88% complete, 2 days ahead of the 5 year average. There were several reports of soybeans lodging due to the damp weather. Soybean harvest in the southern third of the state continued to lag behind, but farmers in those districts have now harvested close to three quarters or more of their soybean crop.
Topsoil moisture levels were rated 2% very short, 12% short, 73% adequate and 13% surplus.