Crop conditions in Iowa plunged following last week’s brutal heat, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). National Agricultural Statistics Service. For the week ending Aug. 27, farmers had 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork on average, with field activities including cutting and baling hay and harvesting oats. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “While seasonal conditions have returned after last week’s sweltering heatwave, several daily records were broken across the state as a result of the hot temperatures and high humidity. Those seeking to bale hay, chop silage, plant cover crops, or complete other farm work may find opportunities with the hot and dry conditions that are expected to continue into September, but our crops and pastures could certainly use some badly needed rain.” Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 96 percent this week, eight days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the five-year average. Sixty-two percent of the corn crop was dented or beyond, five days ahead of last year and four days ahead of normal. Six percent of the state’s corn crop has reached maturity. Corn conditions declined six percentage points to 54 percent good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods went 97 percent, a week ahead of last year and nine days ahead of the average. Soybeans turning color was 15 percent this week, two days ahead of normal. Soybean condition dropped six percentage points to 53 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 68 percent short to very short, 31 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 73 percent short to very short, 26 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. The complete report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
