Last week’s hot temperatures are yet to significantly impact corn and soybean ratings, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report. The statewide average temperature for the week ending June 19 was 94 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 13 degrees above normal. “Unseasonably hot temperatures blanketed Iowa last week as isolated areas of moisture stress began showing in corn and soybeans,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Pockets of dryness are showing up in southeastern Iowa, and drought has expanded in the northwest, where late spring rains have been sparse. Looking ahead, chances of rain remain in the forecast with early summer warmth subsiding.” Producers had 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork, focusing primarily on cutting hay and spraying. Eighty-three percent of the corn crop was rated good to excellent, with 80 percent of soybeans falling into the same category. Soybean emergence reached 93 percent, six days behind last year but three days ahead of average. Only 20 percent of topsoil moisture and 23 percent of subsoil moisture rated short to very short for the week. The weekly USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report can be found online at www.nass.usda.gov.
