Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Harvest is nearing completion, with results variable but generally below what we anticipated back in early August. The harvest process went smoothly thanks to warm, dry conditions that led to dry grain in the field.
The extended forecast through mid-November calls for above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly our entire territory is now rated as Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought.
This year’s corn crop had record-high potential well into August on most farms. Unfortunately, the season reminded us how critical a strong finish can be. Several factors contributed to yield reductions across the area:

• Hot, dry finish: The very warm and dry conditions in late August and September trimmed top-end yield potential.
• Wind damage: Multiple wind events, from early green snap in June to major storms in July and August, caused significant stalk
breakage and lodging. Brittle stalks and downed corn were widespread in some areas this fall, slowing harvest and reducing yields.
• Disease pressure: Southern rust was a major issue. It surged in late August after many fungicide applications had lost
effectiveness. The rust caused more late-season yield loss than expected, even as corn was nearly mature.

Corn yields were still above average overall, but not on every farm.

Soybean yields were strong on most farms too, though fields with poor drainage that received heavy July rainfall struggled. Soybeans were more sensitive to excess soil moisture this season than corn. The hot, dry finish to the season cut into yields and caused overly dry grain at harvest. Plant diseases, particularly sudden death syndrome, were also a problem in many areas.