STORY COUNTY, Iowa —

Some central Iowa farmers are getting an early start on the fall harvest, with a few already taking their combines to the fields. According to the latest crop report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, while most corn is still maturing, certain areas, like Story County, are seeing crops ready for harvest.

Story County farmer Brian Sampson began harvesting his corn on Tuesday, crediting the early readiness to favorable weather conditions. "Record rainfall in June and July, and August was really pretty nice," Sampson said. The consistent moisture throughout the growing season, paired with a mild August, created ideal conditions for his crop.

The crop report indicates that 80% of Iowa's corn is in the dented stage, the second-to-last phase of growth. This progress

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