The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report shows the state’s soybean crop declined slightly over the last week. For the week ending July 24, soybeans came in at 75 percent good to excellent, a three-point drop from a week ago. An estimated 72 percent of soybeans were blooming, a week behind last year but only two days behind the five-year average. About a third of plants were setting pods, five days behind last year and only a day behind average. Iowa corn crop rated 80 percent good to excellent, with 66 percent now silking or beyond. Approximately eight percent of the crop has reached the dough stage, five days behind last year and two days behind average. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “After another warm week statewide, corn pollination is nearly complete for portions of Iowa as soybeans continue to bloom and set pods. Much of Iowa received at least some rain, though not enough to ease drought conditions. Forecasts show near-seasonal temperatures and isolated chances of rain through the end of July.” Farmers had 6.1 days on average suitable for fieldwork, with most producers cutting hay and applying fungicide and insecticide. Thirty-eight percent of topsoil moisture conditions were measured from short to very short. In comparison, 36 percent of subsoil conditions received the same rating. The complete USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
