Iowa Ag Secretary Urges Safety, Mental Health Priorities as Harvest Season Takes Off

By Cami Koons

Harvest season is underway for many Iowa farmers, as more than 65% of corn acres have reached maturity, according to the latest crop progress and condition report from the USDA. 

As farmers log long days in the combines, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig urged farmers to keep physical and mental health “top of mind.” 

In a news release recognizing National Farm Safety and Health Week, Naig said farmers should follow safe equipment operation practices, wear proper protective gear, inspect and maintain machinery, and stay safe around grain bins. 

Naig also reminded drivers that during harvest season, slow-moving farm equipment will be a common sight on the road. He urged drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions such as cell phones, and to keep a safe distance on the road. 

“It’s also important to acknowledge that the long, stressful workdays and economic challenges facing agriculture can take a toll,” Naig said in the release. “I encourage farmers and ag workers to be mindful of their mental health and well-being, and to watch out for their neighbors too. No one needs to feel alone. There are resources readily available for Iowans.”

The release said engaging in hobbies, prioritizing sleep and talking to family, friends, and mental health professionals can help farmers prioritize their mental health during the stressful season.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers farm stress resources that can help farmers and their families. Additionally, farmers can access several hotlines for mental health support, or if they are dealing with suicidal thoughts. 

Hot, Wet Conditions for the Start of Harvest Season

Wet conditions last week left farmers with an average of about five days suitable for field work. Despite the low number of days in the field, 8% of Iowa corn acres harvested for grain have been harvested, which is ahead of both last year and the five year average for corn harvest. 

Corn rated 74% good to excellent for the Sept. 15–21 reporting period. Soybeans also rated 74% good to excellent for the period. 

The report noted soybean harvest has begun on some farms in the state, but not enough has been harvested to appear on the report. Sixty-two percent of soybean acres were dropping leaves across the state and nearly 90% of the crop has colored in Iowa. 

Soil moisture conditions improved slightly during the reporting period compared to the week prior. According to the report, 70% of topsoil and 72% of subsoil moisture conditions were adequate for the reporting period. Less than 20% of topsoil and subsoil conditions were short of moisture for the period. 

According to State Climatologist Justin Glisan, Iowa had an average of nine-tenths of an inch of precipitation, which was one-tenth of an inch above the climatological normal — though some central and southeastern regions had around 3 inches during the reporting period. 

Glisan also reported that temperatures across the state were 8.6°F above normal. The average temperature for the week was 71.6°F. 

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