Seasonal temperatures and rainfall have improved soil moisture conditions in the hardest hit areas of Iowa. “Many parts of the state have experienced some relief from the ongoing drought conditions,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig. “As we approach harvest, short-term outlooks show warmer and drier conditions.” Topsoil moisture levels are now averaging a rating of 34 percent short to very short and subsoil levels are at 57 percent short to very short. According to the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending Sept. 5, corn at or beyond dough stage reached 97 percent, four days ahead of the five-year average. Seventy-seven percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond, three days ahead of the norm. Fourteen percent of the corn crop has reached maturity, on par with the five-year average. Iowa’s corn is rated at 60 percent good to excellent with damage reported in the northeast and west central parts of the state from heavy rain, hail and strong winds. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 40 percent, two days ahead of the average. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 10 percent, two days ahead of normal, with the crop’s condition at 61 percent good to excellent. The full report can be found at www.nass.usda.gov.
