Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, says he is hopeful farmers will be able to see significant drying over the course of this week. “Unfortunately, we saw a series of storms move across the state the past week that have flooded fields and caused significant damage,” he said. “Hopefully, the weather this week will allow the state to dry out so farmers can get into their fields to evaluate conditions and view any damage.” According to the weekly Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, only 3.2 days were suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sunday, July 1. Most of the activities included assessing crop damage and harvesting hay when weather permitted. Wind and intermittent showers prohibited spraying activity to a large degree. Seven percent of the corn crop has silked, a week ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Ratings have dropped, with 78 percent of the corn crop rated in good to excellent condition. Twenty-one percent of the soybean crop has bloomed, which is four days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the average, with 76 percent rated good to excellent. And 93 percent of the oat crop has headed with 25 percent turning, one day ahead of the average. Eighty percent of the oat crop is rated in good to excellent condition. The entire USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service report can be accessed through the links included below.
________________________________________
Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report:
