Dry conditions remain the primary concern for farmers in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report. For the week ending June 4, farmers had 5.8 days on average for fieldwork, limited only by brief rain showers throughout the state. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “In between spotty thunderstorms last week, farmers took advantage of the opportunity to begin applying crop protection products, adding side-dress fertilizer, and cutting and baling hay. Widespread rain totals were below average, and much of the state remains abnormally dry, but forecasts do indicate chances for precipitation and a return to more seasonal temperatures.” Topsoil moisture conditions rated 55 percent short to very short, 44 percent adequate, and one percent surplus, while subsoil conditions rated 53 percent short to very short, 46 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Corn emergence reached 94 percent, a week ahead of last year and eight days ahead of the five-year average. Corn conditions declined five points to 72 percent good to excellent. An estimated two percent of Iowa’s soybean crop remains to be planted, 10 days ahead last year and two weeks ahead of normal. Eighty-seven percent of soybeans have emerged and are rated 70 percent good to excellent. The complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
