Temperatures in western Iowa averaged up to five degrees below normal last week, with a statewide average just shy of 72, which is one and a half degrees below normal. Light, but measurable rainfall was also reported in western and southern Iowa, giving farmers about 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 28. “Farmers across most of the state enjoyed several days of near-perfect weather last week,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “Corn development is in various stages. The earliest planted corn is almost done pollinating, while some fields that were delayed because of wet spring conditions are just starting to tassel.” According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report, 69 percent of the corn crop has begun to silk, 13 days behind last year and eight days behind the five-year average. Seven percent of the crop reached the dough stage, nearly one week behind both last year and the average, and corn conditions are rated 65 percent good to excellent. Thirteen percent of the soybean crop has started setting pods, nearly two weeks behind average, and 65 percent has started to bloom, 13 days behind last year and 10 days behind average. Soybeans are rated 62 percent good to excellent. The full report can be found through the link included below.
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Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report:
