The latest Crop Progress and Conditions Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that Iowa farmers enjoyed 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 23. Producers continued fertilizer and manure applications, along with fall tillage, as the season winds down.
Moisture levels held steady: topsoil moisture was rated 4% very short, 27% short, 67% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture mirrored those ratings at 4% very short, 27% short, 66% adequate, and 3% surplus.
The corn harvest is essentially finished statewide, with 99% of the crop now in the bin.
Weather Summary – Southeast Iowa
Southeast Iowa experienced another mild November week with temperatures running well above normal. Highs climbed into the upper 50s early in the week, with lows mostly in the 30s and low 40s. Cloud cover was common, and dense fog developed several mornings—especially midweek—before gradually clearing each afternoon.
Rainfall in the region was light and scattered, generally ranging from just a trace to around a quarter inch, with most of the heavier precipitation staying north of Highway 30. Conditions dried out again heading into the weekend, with breezy west winds and sunshine returning Saturday and Sunday.