A deluge early Tuesday morning aside, farmers in several regions of Iowa got some much-needed precipitation last week, according to the Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report. “Farmers across the state welcomed the precipitation that fell over the past few days,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig. “Some areas reported an inch of rainfall, which will help improve the abnormally dry conditions and moisture stress that were reported in a few counties.” Portions of southern and western Iowa came out of a three-week dry spell to record above average rainfall, and statewide temperatures for the past week were 1.3 degrees below normal at an average of 70.9 degrees. Producers recorded five and a half days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending Aug. 18, which included harvesting of hay and oats and spraying of insecticides and fungicides. Nearly all of the corn crop, 96 percent, has begun to silk and 59 percent has reached the dough stage, 12 days behind last year and nine days behind the five-year average. Corn conditions are rated 65 percent good to excellent. Ninety-three percent of the soybean crop has started to bloom, two weeks behind last year and 10 days behind average. Seventy-one percent has started setting pods, which is 17 days behind last year and two weeks behind the five-year average. Soybean conditions are now rated 61 percent good to excellent. The full report can be found by following the link included below.
_______________________________________
USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report: www.nass.usda.gov/ia
