Cooler temperatures and scattered rain helped maintain strong crop conditions across Iowa, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Crop Progress and Condition Report. Farmers had 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending June 8, primarily cutting hay and spraying crops. Corn emergence reached 92 percent, four days ahead of last year but two days behind the five-year average, with 85 percent rated good to excellent, a one-percent increase from last week. Soybean planting hit 97 percent, with 88 percent emerging, 10 days ahead of last year and four days ahead of normal. Eighty percent of the soybean crop was rated good to excellent. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “While the highest rainfall totals were concentrated in western Iowa over the past week, much of the state received some rain and cooler temperatures. The crops could use some heat, and it looks like it’s on the way. The warmer weather and possible showers in the forecast this week should give the corn and soybeans a lift.” Looking at soil moisture conditions, topsoil rated 25 percent short to very short, 71 percent adequate, and four percent surplus, while subsoil rated 33 percent short to very short, 64 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. Rainfall totals varied widely, from just 0.13 inches in Waterloo to nearly 4 inches in Sioux Center. The statewide average for the week was 1.26 inches. Temperatures averaged 66.3°F, about a degree below normal. Find the full report online at nass.usda.gov.
