Iowa’s crops remain in generally good condition following a week of widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the state.
The latest USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report says 78% of Iowa’s corn is rated good to excellent, with 99% of the crop now silking. Eighty-three percent has reached the dough stage, six percentage points ahead of last year, while 26% has reached the dent stage.
Soybeans are also rated 78% good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of soybeans are blooming and 82% are setting pods, both in line with or near last year’s pace.
Oats are 96% harvested, six percentage points ahead of last year. Pasture condition is rated 67% good to excellent.
Farmers had 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 16, down from 5.1 days last year. Topsoil moisture was rated 64% adequate and 17% surplus.
The week was Iowa’s wettest of the growing season, with a statewide average of 2.60 inches of rain, nearly three times the normal amount. State Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says there are still some chances for storms this week, but seasonal temperatures and sunshine are expected at times.
Full report can be found here
