Algona, IA — Recent rainfall has slowed the start of harvest across the region. Before the latest round of precipitation, Gentry Sorenson with the ISU Extension and Outreach said there had already been some field activity taking place across northwest Iowa. Sorenson says the wet conditions could create challenges for producers as harvest progresses, especially if fields remain saturated and additional rainfall develops.

Corn is facing some challenges this year, with concerns ranging from stalk quality and brittleness to increasing levels of rot. Sorenson noted that these issues are not present in every field, but a majority of fields across the region are beginning to show signs of these problems as the growing season comes to an end.

Sorenson said it is largely a waiting game at this point, as producers monitor field conditions and crop quality. He remains hopeful that drier weather and favorable harvest conditions in the coming weeks will allow farmers to make progress and minimize further crop concerns.