According to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, corn and soybean ratings in Iowa dropped below 80 percent for the first time this season. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Thunderstorms added to the fireworks over the extended Fourth of July weekend with heavy rain falling across portions of the state. Unfortunately, drought-stricken parts of northwestern Iowa missed out on higher totals. However, forecasts are pointing to moderate to heavy rain potential as we approach a critical time for corn and soybean development.” The report shows rain was sparse for the week ending July 3, allowing for six days on average suitable for fieldwork. Thirty-four percent of topsoil moisture and 32 percent of subsoil moisture conditions were rated short to very short. Corn is rated 77 percent good to excellent, and approximately two percent of the corn crop has started silking, three days behind last year and four days behind average. Iowa’s soybean crop also came in at 77 percent good to excellent. Thirteen percent of soybeans were blooming, nine days behind last year and four days behind average. The complete USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
