“Wet” remains the theme in this week’s Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Iowa farmers had 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 30, with activities limited due to widespread rain and flooding. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “I spent two days last week visiting with farmers, ag businesses, local officials, and many others impacted by flooding and excessive rainfall in Northwest Iowa. Though most of Iowa’s corn crop will be well beyond ‘knee high by the Fourth of July,’ unfortunately, farmers impacted by the flooding did experience some crop damage. After a particularly wet end to June for portions of Iowa, it looks like the first week of July will also be full of showers and thunderstorms. Short-term outlooks for the first half of the month suggest warmer temperatures and a shift to more normal rainfall potential.” The recent precipitation is reflected in the state’s soil moisture conditions. Topsoil measured eight percent short to very short, 76 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus, while subsoil measured 11 percent short to very short, 75 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. Corn silking reached four percent, a day ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Corn ratings fell four points to 73 percent good to excellent. Soybeans blooming was at 19 percent, a day behind last year but two days ahead of normal. Soybeans rated 72 percent good to excellent. The complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report can be found online at www.nass.usda.gov.
