The state’s 2024 corn and soybean crop is almost entirely emerged, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report. Mostly dry weather during the week ending June 16 gave farmers 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork, which included finishing replants, cutting hay, and spraying. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Summer officially begins this week, and Iowans can expect temperatures that match the season. After the frustrating planting delays, crops seem to be catching up nicely. Both corn and soybeans will continue to benefit from the forecasts indicating unseasonable warmth with above average chances for rain through the end of June.” Corn emergence reached 95 percent, with conditions rated at 74 percent good to excellent. Soybean emergence topped 86 percent, two weeks behind last year and a day behind the five-year average. Soybeans rated at 74 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 13 percent short to very short, 77 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 16 percent short to very short, 75 percent adequate, and nine percent surplus. The full report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
