Crop conditions improved statewide last week following much-needed rainfall, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Farmers had an average of 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 16, with field activities focused on cutting hay and harvesting oats. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Iowa received much-needed and widespread rainfall last week, along with some unfortunate, isolated reports of crop damage from strong winds, hail, and a few weak tornadoes in southwest Iowa. Scattered storms are possible early in the week, with seasonal temperatures and precipitation expected to return as corn continues to tassel across the state.” Topsoil moisture condition rated 43 percent short to very short, 55 percent adequate, and two percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 55 percent short to very short, 43 percent adequate, and two percent surplus. Corn silking hit 49 percent this week, five days ahead of last year and two days ahead of normal. Eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, eight days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn conditions improved to 64 percent good to excellent. Sixty-eight percent of soybeans were blooming, a week ahead of last year and five days ahead of the average. Soybeans setting pods reached 17 percent, three days ahead of last year but equal to the five-year average. Soybean condition rose to 58 percent good to excellent. The complete USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
