Iowa rainfall in 2026 has arrived in “big buckets”, with above average temperatures and rainfall raising concerns about crop quality and post-harvest storage. Nearly three-quarters of Iowa’s weather stations reported at least 4 inches of rainfall or greater in September, according to ISU’s Mesonet data. As fields begin to dry out, several concerns have emerged about grain quality, both in-field and post-harvest.

The weather conditions over the past few weeks have certainly slowed the pace of harvest across Iowa. Conditions have also created several challenges that producers should be aware of before returning to the hustle and bustle of the fall harvest season.

The recent rains have slowed or put a delay on harvest really getting underway across the state. When conditions allow, harvest will really ramp up. At the end of the day, the most important measure of a successful harvest is ensuring everyone returns home safely. National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 21-25, 2026, serves as an important reminder of why safety matters.  

This year we are offering on-site registration for the Integrated Crop Management Conference! Join us on December 10-11 at the Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona, IA for two days jam-packed with networking, continuing education, and insight for 2026 and beyond. 

Highlights of this year’s event include:

As harvest wraps up, grain producers are reminded to actively monitor and manage stored grain. The following articles and resources are available: 

Practical Considerations when Reconditioning Overly Dry Soybeans

Time to Cool and Core Storage Bins

Iowa Grain Quality Initiative Training Modules