KNOXVILLE —
The federal government says Iowa's harvest is virtually complete, with most farmers turning their attention to preparing the ground for 2013.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 98 percent of Iowa corn and 99 percent of Iowa soybeans have been harvested. A dry fall and summer drought sped the harvest this year, allowing farmers to spend most of the past week on application of fertilizer to their lands.
The weekly crops and weather report said farmers have been helped by dry weather during harvest, but would not mind rain delays. Many "would appreciate more precipitation to replenish moisture levels prior to the ground freezing for the winter."
Not quite one third of the state's topsoil has adequate moisture, while 41 percent is considered short. Subsoil levels are considerably worse, with 62 percent considered very short and only 7 percent adequate.
State Climatologist Harry Hillaker reported Iowa temperatures as below normal for the past week, with a statewide low of 17 degrees. The highest temperature of the week was 66, reported at four locations.
CNHI/SE Iowa
Iowa harvest virtually complete
- CNHI/SE Iowa
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