Iowa corn conditions slipped slightly in the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For the week ending July 23, Iowa farmers had 6.3 days on average suitable for fieldwork, which included cutting hay and harvesting oats. There were also scattered reports of some producers applying insecticides and fungicides. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Despite dry conditions, the below-average temperatures over the past week provided moisture-stressed crops some relief. Though the entire state remains abnormally dry or in some level of drought, and the hottest stretch of July is forecasted this week, initial August outlooks are showing some chances for cooler and wetter conditions.” Topsoil moisture conditions rated 55 percent short to very short, 43 percent adequate, and two percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 63 percent short to very short, 36 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Corn silking hit 79 percent this week, six days ahead of last year and three days ahead of normal. Nineteen percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, five days ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Some reports were received of corn starting to dent. Corn conditions dropped one point to 63 percent good to excellent. Eighty-one percent of soybeans were blooming, a week ahead of last year and five days ahead of the average. Soybeans setting pods reached 35 percent, two days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average. Soybean conditions held steady at 58 percent good to excellent. The full USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
Iowa Corn Conditions Slip Slightly As July Closes With Hottest Week Of Summer So Far
