As farmers try to bring in the harvest, they still are dealing with wet soils

Posted: Tue, Nov 5, 2019 8:33 AM

Photo courtesy of John Deere

Northeast Iowa farmers continue to deal with challenging field conditions as they try to bring in their harvests

Topsoils continue to be moist, with 81 percent of fields rated adequate but 18 percent rated as having surplus moisture.

43 percent of the corn crop has been harvested for grain, 8 days behind last year and 11 days behind the 5-year average. Eighty percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, 3 days behind last year and one week behind average.

Said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, "We're also hearing reports of propane shortages across the state." Naig says he's working with Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Propane Gas Association to monitor the situation. An emergency proclamation has been issued extending allowable driving hours as a way to help ease the delivery issues.