Despite damaging storms in parts of Iowa last week, the state’s crops continue to progress well, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For the week ending June 15, farmers had 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, which consisted of cutting hay, side-dressing, and spraying crops. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Strong storms swept through parts of northern Iowa last week, bringing hail that damaged some corn and soybean fields. Despite that unwelcomed severe weather, most of the state experienced a good mix of rain and seasonal temperatures that helped the crops progress. As summer officially arrives this week, forecasts are showing warmer-than-normal temperatures and continued chances of storms and widespread showers.” As for soil moisture conditions, topsoil rated 27 percent short to very short, 70 percent adequate, and three percent surplus, while subsoil measured 36 percent short to very short, 60 percent adequate, and four percent surplus. Corn emergence reached 97 percent, with 84 percent rated good to excellent. Soybeans were 93 percent emerged, with 80 percent rated good to excellent. State climatologist Justin Glisan noted near-normal temperatures and widespread, though below-average, rainfall across much of Iowa. Find the complete report online at www.nass.usda.gov.
