DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Recent cooler, drier weather is helping Iowa farmers get into their fields and harvest early planted corn and soybeans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday that Iowa had several breezy days last week that helped dry crops, and rainfall amounts were not enough to keep farmers out of their fields.
Crop conditions also remain good. The USDA says corn is rapidly maturing, with a majority of acres now safe from frost.
Soybeans also are maturing quickly, thanks to the weather, and "sudden death syndrome" is becoming less of a concern for farmers as many of the soybean acres reach maturity.
Most of the alfalfa acres already have been harvested in Iowa. Mild weather also has been good for newborn calves.
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