Iowa farmers faced another week of challenging weather as severe storms and heavy rainfall slowed fieldwork but helped improve crop conditions in areas that avoided damage. According to the USDA’s Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending July 13, farmers had 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork, as persistent wet conditions hampered most activities. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Iowans experienced another wild weather week with reports of weak tornadoes, hail and wind, along with pockets of significant rainfall producing flash flooding. Though the rainfall is improving drought conditions and helping the corn during tasseling and pollination, there are now parts of the state that could use a break from the rain.” Corn silking reached 36 percent, a day behind last year but a day ahead of normal, with five percent of the crop reportedly in the dough stage. Corn was rated 85 percent good to excellent. Soybean blooming reached 54 percent, three days ahead of last year and even with the five-year average. An estimated 18 percent of soybeans were setting pods, while the soybean crop was rated 79 percent good to excellent. Soil moisture conditions are the best the state has seen in years. Topsoil measured just six percent short to very short, 71 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus, while subsoil was 10 percent short to very short, 74 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, only 36.59 percent of the state is recording any form of moisture deficit. The complete report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
