IOWA – Regular updates about the harvest have not been made this year due to the Federal Government shutdown. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports at this point last year, 68% of corn and 91% of soybeans had been harvested. While the federal resources aren’t available, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says this year’s harvest is likely outpacing the 2024 numbers. Many farmers have felt pressure to harvest early due tot he threat of Southern corn rust, which has driven yields down.

DES MOINES – Iowa Workforce Development has furloughed 67 workers as part of the ongoing shutdown. KCCI-TV reports that some of those people will be let go entirely, while others will work a reduced schedule until the federal funding impasse ends. Iowa Workforce Development released a statement, noting that core unemployment benefits will not be impacted.

IOWA – Gusty, northwesterly winds develop today as colder air pushes into the state. Sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph are likely, with gusts over 45 mph possible at times. Conditions will be windy over much of the state, but the strongest are expected over northern Iowa. Morning lows Wednesday through Friday drop near freezing over northern Iowa, with lows in the mid and upper 30s farther south.