In a break from recent years, heat rather than moisture is in short supply in 2024’s growing season. According to the USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, farmers had 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 7, which consisted of producers scrambling to put up hay and spray for weeds in the few windows that existed due to frequent rain. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Many parts of Iowa experienced a wet start to July. Now, we’re hoping for some summer heat to provide a much-needed boost to our crops. With the continued impacts of Hurricane Beryl influencing the weather pattern, forecasts indicate a calmer storm track for Iowa and increased chances of warmer temperatures over the next few weeks.” Corn silking reached 17 percent, equal to last year but four days ahead of the five-year average, and corn condition ratings were 76 percent good to excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 32 percent, two days behind last year but equal to the average. Soybeans setting pods reached five percent, with soybean conditions rated 76 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture conditions rated four percent short to very short, 77 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated six percent short to very short, 77 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. The full Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
